Security deposit of just 1.5 month rent would be inadequate right?

Of course, I know that only the 1% that are effective and successful and ethical post in these forums or all social media.

Inadequate CommunicationIf people go MIA, you don’t want to work with them.

Are you looking to have each property on separate notes or all under one blanket loan?

@Amer Swid The whole point of a house hack is to cover some or all of your living expenses.

Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusion

There is a 9 unit property on the market that we could acquire if we sold half or all of the current portfolio.

Section 8 is a program for low income tenants to get government subsidy of some or all of their rent (at market rates).

While I am guessing you will be taking some or all of this equity to your next home, if you try to leave it deferred via renting then1031, then the capital will never really be available to you unless you pay some tax.The sec121 exclusion of 500k is considered the best tax break. 

Great thing about a 1031 exchange is you can put a higher down payment or all of the funds into the new property and take cash out as early as 6 months with DSCR on a cash out refinance.