Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

I was in a similar situation in 2021 while living in San Francisco.

I'm sure it was highway robbery - it certainly was based on the man-hours it took - but when you are in a desperate situation, you do what you have to do to get yourself out of it.  

Have the tenants take and send pictures of any maintenance items and video chat with the repair person as needed.If you ever get in a situation where you just feel like you can't do it or don't want to do it, you can always put a PM in place at any time. 

If you are just getting started here in Chicago, house hacking is the ideal situation.

No company should treat it's customers and clients like that, not matter the situation a company is going through.

So...Assuming we're considering the advantages for American's to invest in Japan, I personally think it only makes sense in a select few situations. 

I have been listening to the podcasts for years and have finally gotten serious about making this move to better my families situation. 

For 99% of situations (the one you are asking about) - I pay for the building "as is".

@Dean HalpinI’m not an attorney and can’t offer legal advice, but this situation seems to have the potential for a lawsuit for unpaid wages.