@Kevin L. buy a home that you can improve and add value, including turning the garage into an ADU.Also, take the ugliest room and rent out the rest to generate income to offset the mortgage payment or to accrue cash for improvements or additional investments.

Our 2 units have one garage spot each and room for a short car in front of the garage.  

Maybe you could find a smaller home with the ability to add on an ADU or garage conversion?

But never swing the hammer to add a garage to your IRA's unit.

The property is equipped with modern amenities including forced air heating and central air conditioning, ensuring year-round comfort for tenants.

We added significant value by investing $30,000 in renovations, focusing on modernizing the property's interior and enhancing its curb appeal.

Purchase price: $390,000 Cash invested: $150,000 Rezoned to allow for ADU and am currently finalizing plans to add a second story and redevelop the 3-car detached garage into an medium term rental with an ADU above the garage.

We invested $18,000 in renovations to modernize the property and increase its appeal.

The other unit (950 sq ft) is a detached garage converted apartment.

But I could definitely see myself living in a 400sf converted detached garage for a year.