We have previously tracked all expenses manually in google sheets and produced financials statements manually, also in google sheets.  

@Vina Merrill,Went to college in Knoxville, current a BDM in Chattanooga, where I'm from.

With the exception of building a trailer on the property (these are hard to finance), this sounds like a good plan AND if you are using it for your business AND your business pays more than 50% of the rent (if you have more than 1 tenant), then this is a more financeable property in the eyes of banks and credit unions as it would be consider a commercial "owner-occupied" property. 

I'm based in Charleston and am frequently in Columbia.

I recently purchased my first duplex in Peoria, AZ in September and I am using it as a house hack where I rent out one side and live in the other.

Quote from @Shaun Ortiz: Hi Jason,Thanks for sharing your journey—it sounds like you’ve gained some invaluable insights from your experiences, even with the squirrel tenants (that’s definitely a story!).

In my area there is a huge waiting list for Section 8. 

But I strongly urge anyone to always get Aldermanic support before proceeding because it makes life--and the entire project / process--a whole lot easier. :)IN SUM: Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you won't need to rezone if you just want to build a duplex.

I thought I was a big fish in a little pond back home.

I would say get to no many neighborhoods.Also not much in 200K range any more.$300K is the new $200K.