If you don't have a realtor involved, often you are going to get to live with those things for as long as you own the house. 

We will also finish up some renovation on our owner occupied house and pull a HELOC for an emergency fund and possible rental purchase fund.What are you looking to do, @Kristie Laufer? 

Sold lots of houses.

You will be house hacking, so ask yourself "Is this somewhere I would like to live?" 

I know we could get houses for cheap, I am just not sure what the rental market is doing out there.

Was house hacking in a single family home challenging ?

I have 2 long term rentals both at 7.5% interest rates.1. estimated value: $950k, outstanding mortgage of $574k2. estimated value: $900k, outstanding mortgage of $514k#1 cash flows nicely for me at $2500/mo, but #2 leaves me at a $400 loss each month, mainly due to the interest rate.

Where can I get private money and someone interested in purchasing 1.5 acresto split the current 3+ acres and leave the1.5 acres with the rentals for the long term deal.

House hacking is a great way to get started.If you PM me, I'll send you my Chicago house hacking guide if you want it.

I do know that some of the supply houses are great for lighting/electrical/plumbing/HVAC/etc.