The problem is: A traditionally financed low-down payment house-hack with traditional long-term rents simply won't cash flow during occupancy, or after, in many MCOL-HCOL markets in the US. 95% leverage at even 5.7% just won't work in a lot of cases right now.

Kicker is I don't have to sell, I would simply be happy with not renting anymore and continuing to build equity.2-Correct purchase and renovate a 3-5 unit building.

To communicate that a candidate doesn’t meet your qualifications without violating fair housing rules, you can simply focus on the criteria rather than the individual.

Should it simply be one of two choices: deny application or accept application with ESA exemption even if the property qualifies for the FHA exemption?

We did have a few called and we simply cut a check to retire the mortgage.

We appreciate your support and understanding during this challenging time.A medical note attached simply says "1 year leave from school for medical reasons"Please advise on what is the best recourse in handling a situation like this?

Installing an efficiency kitchen can be done very simply; really renting out a room as a JADU is not very different than just renting out a room except having more privacy if you make it that way. 

I'm all about finding problems to solutions and figuring out how to make something work rather than simply conceding that it cannot work.

Hence my take on CA; pricing is way too high and margins way too tight for the risk at playing the loooong game because I simply don't have faith in CA's actions, or better said inactions, for the loooong game. 

Quote from @Collin Hays: I suspect that the Smokies is your best choice, simply because it is a year-round destination.