JD is an electrician by trade, along with many other talents; I'm the painter, tiler and a few other tricks so this is our attempt to volunteer some of our free time.

I think, after all of this solid advice, I am going to move forward with attempting to split electric and water. 

I house hacked 1 property in Guttenberg (two blocks in between West New York and North Bergen off of Blvd East) and have attempted to do it with a second one.

It is a B- or C neighborhood and building.Ask price is $159,900.Been listed for 2 years.I will be attempting 100% no recourse financing or 96.5% through a HUD program, or FHA, USDA, etc.I would appreciate advice regarding my offer and strategy.

Suggesting this because I’m afraid you have trained them to disregard your notices and attempts.

They'll foreclose long before they'll accept a short-sale.Regarding sub-to, I would urge you not to attempt one without basic training and also excellent paperwork.

We keep reading, listening and attempting to uncover how to make the brrr method work but it just doesn't seem reasonable.

Just to be clear, I’d be attempting to house hack the extra bedrooms or units on any property I’m considering. 

Or should I be attempting to underbid on the market slightly to add a little more cream on top? 

Change is hard and only the brave attempt it!