Personally, I use pooled accounts: one for all rents and property expenses*, one for Security Deposits.

If you elect to use a VA loan, that typically means you don't plan to put any money down.

The markets investors like you want to live in and invest in are often two totally different places, so don't limit yourself yo a single plan. 

Since you’ll be saving your own living expenses by living in one of the units as required by the VA (to the best of my knowledge.) pretend you are paying rent and it should make your numbers look much better. 

The reality is that imposing expensive and time-consuming sprinkler installation requirements will drive property owners to either scale back necessary renovations or avoid permits altogether.Currently, when owners propose substantial renovations, they are often informed that their projects will require sprinkler systems, which can cost around $45,000 for a typical three-decker.

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. 

This can provide a better depreciation benefit than traditional STR real estate.If permanently affixed to land, it qualifies for real estate depreciation (27.5 years for residential properties).Considerations:Zoning laws and campground restrictions may impact legality.Self-employment tax risk arises if you provide substantial guest services.Vacation home rules apply if personal use exceeds 14 days or 10% of rental days, limiting deductions.Audit risk is high, so keep detailed records of participation, expenses, and rental operations.Given the potential tax benefits and complexities, consulting a real estate tax professional is advised to ensure compliance and maximize deductions.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

They found it out, andI had to go to the planning board and zoning board, hire an engineer and architect to make the fourth unit legal.In my opinion, the realtor should have verified the zoning, and if you used bank financing, it's pretty rare for the bank to miss it as well.You are probably going to have to hire an architect to draw plans and to get it approved as a triplex.I wish you luck.

If I were new and to join something like this  it would be a part of my plan, not all of my plan.This is impressive as I know your not easily impressed..    

My exit strategy is to refinance into a Longterm USDA loan, after the Tax Map Key is issued in 10-24months.I plan on farming crops on the land.