Also, if you buy using a hard money lender or cash, Zach Starnes can do re-fi's off the appraised value shorter than the typical 6mos and then you might not need any money down if you buy at the right price.

This reminds me of how Alex Hormozie describes "the value equation"; Experience in this case is the factor that determines the likelihood of achievement. 1,000%Alex Hormozie is one of the greatest marketers not just alive, but ever. 

Luckily the property hasn’t gone down in value so the lender lists it for $400k and gets it.

I wouldn’t be excited paying much more than the land value.

How did you add value to the deal?

Quote from @Brendan Jones: For the homes, and or properties that you will use as a primary or a rental property one big thing I look for is infrastructure in the area, extrinsic value (I.e. hospitals in the area, schools, and job market), and the last thing is creature comforts for people (I.e. is a store to get groceries 1 hour away or 2 minutes away).

. - Private lenders are not just sources of capital but can also be strategic partners who bring value to the table. 3.

So back to being a real estate investor: the only way to be one is to buy a property and create value out of it, whether through finding a below market value house and selling for a profit, or renting and creating cash flow.  

If it is a contractor that is more organized they will likely do this already, if they are shooting from the hip "based on experience" they will likely just give you a total $ value. 

This might give a one-time (non-scalable) boost to cash flow, offer multiple value-add options, and allow the house-hacker peace of mind, via the assumed mortgage, in long-term breakeven or positive cash flow in the event that the value-add plans end up not being executed, and/or the person has to move out, and rent by the room or STR become unavailable for some reason at a future date.