You’re making a smart move, and that kind of foresight will pay dividends over time.Now, let’s dive into your question: Is house hacking still a good option in today’s market?

this will yield a bunch of random markets all over the countrywhy not pick a market where you have some kind of advantage and focus all your energy on that? 

Thats the kind of information that separates a good investment from a not so good investment. 

But the best course of action here is two fold: Visit your local REI groups.

Like questions about Timber and Timber land always happy to discuss those or really any land kind of deals.

Beyond that, terminate the tenancy based on your lease (you should have a clause in there that permits eviction for this kind of behavior).

It's time, money and stress for everyone involved.Can you visit the jobsite one time and have a face-to-face meeting where you pay him $1000 and sign a note that guarantees he will recieve the final $1000 after completion?

Its kind of weird.

It's an area where they generally have not allowed garage enclosures and LOTS of people have done it anyway.There are all kinds of ways the cities find out about houses like this. 

Hi Kris,  I would be happy to drive you around Indianapolis and show you the transitioning neighborhoods when you come to visit.