Condo ownership provides clear property rights but means living under HOA rules.

So it will be an awkward conversation.

He lives locally, is very responsive.

I was working through the HELOC process since we have quite a lot of equity when I suddenly got denied because 1 of the 5 units is owned by someone who lives overseas and rents out his unit.

I’ve currently got a 3/3 and generally there’s 2 of us living here but when my daughter and family come visit, 5-6 people having even more than 3 bathrooms would be a plus.

I live in CA and own my primary residence. 

Quote from @Unal Baris Kancoglu: I bought my first multi-family home in 2024, and I am living in it.

Most maintenance won't pop up in the inspection report, its more apt to pop up after having someone live in the property for the first month.    

I have spent the last few years working in the Pre-Fab ADU space and now working with a company called Live Near Friends and help people buy real estate with the purpose of living closer to the people they care about. 

As a fellow West Aussie who's now living in the US, I can tell you this forum and most of the training/courses you'll see online regarding multifamily investment isn't relevant/applicable in Australia.