For example, one HF could have 250,000 LLCs set up (not an exaggeration) and therefore can have 250,000 bids in the pot for 0.25%.

Great answers here.I'll throw one more in the pot: we help with this at STRLocator (finding STR, MTR and LTR properties that will cashflow according to your financial goals).You don't have to start with a mortgage or BRRR; you can start by arbitraging.

Despite the red flags—like the inferior kitchen renovations, an inspection report that didn’t tell the whole story, and a seller who tried to take the appliances that were contracted to convey —I was pot committed.

If you wouldn't leave pot or cocaine out, you shouldn't leave alcohol in a unit.You technically aren't responsible for what they do, but don't promote it.

Some larger plants along the sidewalk/under the windows and some big potted plants around the entrance would help also!   

However, if you guys are looking to build your finances together as a unit and you look at it as all money coming into the home is in one pot- then no it's not a house hack.

I simply budget 5% for capital expenses and 5% another 5% for maintenance and work with the money that accumulates in that pot.

Plus a small cutting board and "hot plate" to avoid tenants damaging kitchen counters by chopping items or setting hot pots directly on them.Gail

You can even sweeten the pot by telling them they don't have to clean, and you will hand them their deposit on the day of move-out after a 10-minute inspection to verify there are no damages. 

At the end of the day, all agent commissions (and all other fees for that matter) get taken out of the deal pot, so while it may appear one side is "paying for it", the buyer could get a lower price and the seller could get a higher price, without it.You think you have a deal struck, but in reality you are net at $175k and the seller is at $180k.