Some HELOCs go as high as 100%, you'll have to search them out.HML is probably not an option since it typically will have to be paid back within 12 months (with interest / points) and there's no way the new property is going to throw off ~$72k in 1 year.Can you rent out the unit you currently live in, buy the Manville place as your primary, using a low down payment loan? 

They don't really want to move, and we'd like to keep this house in the family.Can I buy their house for the exact remaining balance of the mortgage using a "subject to" sale AND they remain in the property?

If using a lender this is a non issue.

I am not sure whether or not I should wait until my lease is up (in 10 months) to purchase a property and house hack with a low down payment using a FHA loan, or use a higher down payment and a conventional loan in the meantime and rent out the all units.

@Young Kim if you go through a bank using a conventional loan or FHA loan you will have to wait until you have a job.

I will be using a property manager.

Anyone having any luck using a property with an Attached Dwelling Unit as their short term rental?

I wouldn't see the point of using a hard money lender that did require the appraisal.

I told some of of the others on here I would let them know how it went using a VA loan for a multi family.

@David Alfaro nice job using a VA loan to finance it. 15 months break even is impressive.