They can find some wiggle room!

Rick Basement square footage and room count are typically not counted on public record but in some states agents list it or are allowed to list it. 

Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal itemsArrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel biggerAdd plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessoriesFull-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention.

@Phillip Austin Rent by the room investing is an excellent strategy.

Then I'd start by saving up, so you can buy your own house and rent out rooms in the house (or buy a place with a suite).Talk to your parents about what their goals are with the properties, what they like and what they don't like.

if someone needs to borrow a few grand that's a pretty shaky situation.. 

How did it feel walking into that closing room, knowing you were about to own your first investment property?

Consider looking for a large single-family home with the ability to add more rooms or bathrooms, then rent it out by the room. 

I don't think anyone has ever said anything about sheets, towels, Keurigs, wifi speed, tv stations, pack-n-plays, the games in the game room, the upgraded appliances, etc.

He and I host the RAL Room assisted living podcast as well!