Rather, 51% of us are introverts who just want to learn how to invest and reduce our risks by learning instead of chanting affirmations in a stadium.  

Organizational Delays: Section 8 offices are often overworked and understaffed, leading to slow processing times for new tenants, delayed rent increase approvals, and poor responsiveness.Benefits of Section 8:1.Long-Term Tenants: When you get a good tenant, they usually stay for a long time because of the tedious process required to qualify for Section 8 housing.2.Consistent Income: If Section 8 covers most or all of the rent, you typically receive reliable monthly payments, reducing the risk of non-payment (as long as there isn’t a large tenant portion).3.Lower Barrier to Entry: Because properties in these areas are often more affordable, it’s a good way for new investors to break into real estate without needing a large amount of capital.Overall, I’ve seen the good and the bad of this strategy.

Labor: Accounts for the installation and labor costs per scope.

This takes a little more work, but it's the fairest and reduces the likelihood of tenants that squander utilities.If you choose #2 or #3, there are considerations:Start with an average.

Then ask them what your options are to reduce payments in the future.

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.

Focus on optimizing the current fourplexes (improving rents, reducing expenses).

It’s hit and miss, really need to deeply understand what they offer, if they will work for you or against you, whether they sign the lease or you (I prefer me, to reduce that lock jn). 

To intentionally reduce the leverage more than required is a foreign concept to me especially in the San Diego market.  

Freddie has similar intricacies, but also does not require a two year history of receipt; https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/section/5306.4If you can use the rental income to drive the DTI down so that you can reduce the down payment similar to that of the FHA product, the benefits of the conventional option will outweigh the FHA option, as I'm assuming you have a strong FICO based on rate quoted with no points.