Live in one side and renovate that side, then after the lease for the other unit is up move into that one and renovate it.

Note that I live in the Netherlands, which has many tax laws.thank you 

Strengthen Your ProposalDevelop a Business Plan: Include:Vision: Your goal of creating a micro-home community.Market Research: Show demand for affordable or small-footprint living in your area.Financial Projections: Break down costs, ARV, and anticipated ROI.Experience: Highlight your previous fix-and-flip and demonstrate your learning curve.Present a Solid Development Plan:What is the size and scope of the project?

We do live an hour away from these properties and have W2 jobs.

Investment property (not primary residence) It's the industry standard if you're not going to live there.

If the house you’re talking about buying is a rental and you don’t have a primary yet, I recommend buying a primary home and getting roommates, if feasible, or buy a duplex and live in one side and rent out the other.

House hacking, short/mid-term rentals, co-living, sober living, or finding ways to add value are where the best opportunities are right now. 

I live here in Albuquerque and have been investing here for the past 15 years.

Quote from @Rou Odab: Hello everyone,We bought this house, and we're living in it and renovating it.

I can speak from experience as a student at Texas A&M, I lived in a 5 br/5 b house and I knew plenty of other students who lived in similar houses or "Ag Shacks" if you will.