Define your retirement, time frame, then ask for an REI strategy to get you there.  

If a deal aligns with your strategy and financial objectives, then it could be a great opportunity regardless of the motivations of the realtor involved.As for advice for a beginner, it sounds like you're already taking proactive steps by planning a trip to scope out neighborhoods and define your buy box area.

Define your house­ hacking strategy based on goals and prefe­rences.

In order to find a solution to any problem the first step we scientists and engineers do is, define the problem.

It only defines the size of your fair share.

Seems you'd be well served by taking some time to better define your goals and the timeline in which you want to achieve them.

Your lender doesn't care where you sleep ; ) You are technically supposed to use your home as your primary residence for a defined amount of time according to the terms of your loan.

Expenses are all defined in your PM agreement.

The key to your success will be how the relationship is defined in the operating agreement for the property.

Define Your Goals2.