I rent out the downstairs 3br 1ba unit and currently live in the upstairs 1br 1ba apartment.

If someone decides to live there, that is their choice.

We want to buy a multi family of 2-3 units and house hack by living in one and renting out the other one or two units. 

Toledo pretty much offers the same, if you're set on that city connect with @Engelo Rumora Thanks for the plug mate,Hi Ken,We probably won't be able to assist as we offer turnkey and only to cash buyers.Our lowest entry point is $65,000 and that buys a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home that will rent for around $800pm.Plus, I'm pissed of with investors and lately and keeping all deals for myself heheI think you are on the right track with the 43607, 43612 and 43613 zip code.I encourage you to take a look at 43609 and select areas of 43610 and 43620.BRRR out of state is a recipe for disaster but since you are in Michigan, it isn't too bad I guess.Even being as close as you are and even if you lived in Toledo, I would always advise to get professional property management.An investors role is just that, to be an "investor".Elevate and delegate...Sure, you can probably manage 1,2 or 10 properties but that can eventually turn into a full time job.IMO, you should focus on scaling as in finding deals, raising capital, buying more properties, growing your portfolio, etc...And not dealing with tenants and toilets.Wishing you much success

Does anyone have additional information on buying from auction sites and/or living in the Broward/Palm Beach counties and willing to mentor a newer investor on the process?

There is a guy already that removes trash and moves coins around from machines etc, but the seller lives locally when it comes to taking the cash to the bank for deposits. 

Fix them up while living there and rent out the units to help reduce your mortgage. 

I watched the youtube video for Davidson county and gathered it's more than me notifying the neighbor next door. 

It’s like being a detective, picking up on details that numbers alone don’t show.Take photos and videos during your property tours.

They require the person assuming the loan to live there.