However, if they're not technically separated, then I think you could live in one and the other would be considered an accessory unit, which IS allowed under the Aurora Airbnb law.

So I am currently renting a house in western Washington (Puyallup) while getting started in investing and wholesaling so I can earn enough cash to start further investing in my goal of rental properties.My wife and I hope to eventually buy our current rental for our primary residence from the current owners who we are sure will be willing to sell it to us.MY BIG QUESTION: Should I first use the cash to buy our house (most likely as a down payment on a conventional mortgage - and there is not much opportunity for house hacking unless I turn the detached garage into an accessory unit)  OR should I use it to invest in our first rental?

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) other investment.

Purchase price: $330,000

Cash invested: $15,000

Small lot on a corner lot. Adding a duplex to the existing duplex. One year in the ...

Miscellaneous bath kit for towel bars,  bath accessories installed 200.  

If you put in a kitchen this could be considered an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

Eric, it is definitely possible to house hack here in San Diego and not have to share common space by purchasing a 2-4 unit property or a single family home with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to live in one and rent the other unit(s) out. 

In case you haven't already done so, make sure you ask the zoning officer 1) if this 3rd rental unit is allowed in your zone (not as an "accessory apartment" but as a full-blown rental unit based on the zone the property is located in, and 2) if you'll be able to sell it as a condo down the road.

It is a house with three accessory apartments: we'll be living in the main house and keeping the three existing tenants who currently have month-to-month leases.

Accountants are nice accessories in bean counting, but those that are serious about making and keeping wealth think long term, short term, and all in between.

Every city has different rules on accessory dwellings and what needs to be done for separation purposes.