It can be used for house hacking by purchasing a multi-family property, allowing one to live in one unit and rent out the others.

The three in personal name have increased substantially in equity, I was going to tap the equity and reappraise etc looking at 4-500k of additional equity, these currently have separate notes in the 1st position of 3.35 30yr fixed.

Additionally, joining local real estate investor groups or forums can be valuable, as members often share updates on regulatory changes and best practices.To automate and make the process more efficient, consider using tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor, which provide data on short-term rental regulations and market trends across different locations. 

I am stronging considering buying a tri-plex in the same city I live with my wife and kids. 

The mortgage payment on this house was roughly $1800/month so when we get tenants (or technically roommates while we're still living in the house) we figure we would have them split the rent evenly, or as a percentage of the house since someone could have the entire basement to themselves.

Now I am living in a fixer upper and once done will refi and move to make this a rental.

And they do have support but you probably won't ever get to talk to a live person.

Is there a cost of living difference for the agents?  

Additionally, strategic marketing highlighted the property's new features, attracting buyers quickly.

Basically a living version of the marshmellow experiment lol.