All of these things are minor compared to the financial benefit.  

I've read plenty of blogs about the benefits of FHA & conventional financing to house-hack and owner-occupy properties.

Be creative, but make sure the partnership is a win/win that benefits both of you.BTW, you need an attorney and an accountant... now, not at closing.

lease option is always a great idea, if you can find a buyer to give down payment and agree to your terms that benefits your better then holding or flipping cuz you benefit from both

You can then benefit from a higher wage in a less expensive investing market.

Check out my article for more information and benefits, it may be of use to help you think about some different strategic options:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/pass-through-entities-real-estate-investors/If you have more questions please leave a reply or Dm me. 

Nate, I would also like to hear more on how the tax benefits work on hard-money loans (and plusses and minuses you've found on the structure).

I was thinking to connect with people in those cities and towns and maybe do some kind of deal so we both benefit of our experiences.

This way I am taking advantage of the benefits of leverage, (appreciation of a larger amount than what I have in the deal, tax benefits, more units etc.) and I have a cushion of houses that do not have a mortgage so I have good enough cash flow to handle market fluctuations. 

I am not sure if they would be more willing to benefit the seller or if they would have both parties in mind.