If you're working with a good house-hacking agent, and you know what you want to spend, together you should be able to quickly narrow down to areas that work and home styles.

Typically when it comes to housing you'll want to stick to 3-story garden style without elevators and 18-24 units per building.

Two quick thoughts is partnership, equity style.

Hi Marcus,Doing the homework and aligning the style of the home to comparable homes getting the top rent is definitely important.

You can make a profit in any market, you just have to adjust your investing style to the market :)  You got this.

Hahaha... love your writing style. 

I'm a software developer and very good with a spreadsheet and all, but I'm wondering if I could secure an experienced lender who not only can lend, but also provide advice on a deal like this from having financed similar situations before.Pointers to financial calculators for such an endevour and hotel/motel renovation-style lenders & contacts appreciated.Thanks,Matthew

It would be 2   2 bedroom 1 bath units no living room with kitchens and indoor washer and dryers in each unit Any thoughts of which is a better way to go ? 

Heating costs go up in winter, as does electricity due to the reduced natural light and more people indoors.

I had heard as you described about if in same vicinity, if the homes were significantly different life styles that you could get 2nd home loan.I live in inland north county San Diego (Poway) and wanted a 2nd home loan for a San Diego beach property (mission Beach).