Zillow also has a way to upload pay stubs and other documents, which is easier than asking for them separately. 

(While I live in the separated 1BR/1BA ADU on the back of the lot) A lot of work to take on to run that, but the numbers work to pay the full mortgage.

SFR: tenants are responsible for landscaping and utilities.  2-4 family you will be paying landscaping, and utilities are contingent on property, some are separately metered some may be house meter.  

From what I understand, it's not necessary for me to create a separate entity immediately and I'm curious if I can run expenses and income through my real estate LLC.

Zoning dept told me the house we wanted to convert into a duplex, is zoned as R-4, and we cannot separate floors.

It has three kitchens, three living spaces separated from one another—three gas meters, even.

I also know that management fee and salaried employees are separate line items.

I have heard some say to form an LLC to keep separate and limit personal liability.

If you have hardwood through out most, I'd refinish it and deal with the living room separately. 

I'm not thrilled about optional improvements with sky high material and labor prices right now, but yes, improve your home when things settle.As far as vesting title, my wife and I 'own'  separately, but we are in a community property state and want to burden our credit available as little as possible.