However with that said, can you take square footage from somewhere else to create a hallway or create another entrance into the bedroom? 

Renters like the private entrance, patio, attached garage, etc.

While I would like to buy-and-hold a SFH or multi-unit as my first entrance into RE, the competition in this market for them has been tough (I've met so many overseas investors at open houses!).

Id like to build a second story with a private entrance.

But I know this would probably have a higher entrance cost to get this going.As for cost comparison I would talk to builder to see what the difference would be and look at your return over the duration you intend to keep the property.

I did 2 separate 12-month leases for 2 of the bedrooms and then did the basement room as an Airbnb with its own private entrance. 

REgardless, others should not be blocking the entrance to parking spots. 

There are still some good multi-families in Tacoma, and plenty of properties where you could add a MIL / ADU by finishing out a basement with its own entrance.

It's not perfect, but it's easy to multiple a purchase price by 1.03 to get my approximate all-in entrance.

Its the stove the city cracks down on, as you can work around this by installing a wet bar which can include a sink and fridge,does not include a stove, built-in microwave, dishwasher, a garbage disposal, or a gas line.With the second kitchen your house would act more like a duplex with two units rather than a house with roommates, in practice the pwnership experience is pretty different when you have a separate entrance and separate dwelling units.