It's a great way to get started in private lending - you don't have to worry about the origination, servicing etc.

Completely updated the home and converted into a service that is MUCH needed in the area.

I've had broken windows, paint, and plumbing items flagged for repair but never stairs; although I have seen some really poorly constructed staircases and it's not terribly surprising to me that something like that could get flagged.Ultimately It's negotiable with the seller, although you should come to terms with the fact that you're an FHA buyer, and the seller would not have this issue with a conventional buyer; it entirely depends on your circumstances whether this is actually something the seller should pay for or not. 

Additionally, the structure for these porches is commonly undersized and may need repair work including but not limited to sistering joists and providing steel angle brackets at the notched beam to column connections.

In my experience as a CPA I find that the tax prep firms have bookkeepers but their primary service is tax preparation.

Use them to give you guidance on the market, resale values, rehab costs, timelines for repair etc.3.

List your house on a FSBO website, or the flat fee online vendors that you've found and offer you a laundry list of services. 

I am not looking for a free service, I just really have no idea what service to even look for.

The quote comes in at $4,850 to get the property back into acceptable condition without all of the trim and door repairs/replacement.Do you pay the ~$5,000 and renew the lease for tenants that pay on time or start fresh (with repairs and finding a new tenant)?

Over the span of 5 years you will have paid $77,220 towards rent.However, you're $22,500 downpayment invested into the S&P index fund at our assumed rate of 10.13% compounded annually will be worth $36,236.48Leaving you a net living cost of $36,236.48 - $77,200 = ($40,963.52)Overall numbers after 5 years of house hacking:Expenses include: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, Repairs/Maintenance, and Private Mortgage Insurance.You will have paid $164,239.76 towards your principal and interestYou will have paid an estimated $20,914 in property taxes and insuranceYou will have paid $5,400 in private mortgage insuranceYou will have paid an estimated $10,859 towards repairs and maintenanceFor a total expense of: $164,239.76 + $20,914 + $5,400 + $10,859 = $201,412.76However, here are the positives to your net worth: Appreciation, Loan Paydown, Rent payments from TenantsYou're home will have appreciated to an estimated value of 560,7812 an increase of $110,782You will have paid down your loan by $26,742Your tenants will have paid $154,439 in total rentThe total benefits add up to: $110,781.87 + $26,742 + $154,439 = $291,962.87House Hacking net worth boosters minus expenses = $291,962.87 - $201,412.76 = $90,550.11(The home equity for year five is calculated using the downpayment + appreciation + loan paydown)House Hacking Vs RentingHouse Hacking net worth after 5 years: $90,550.11Renting net worth after 5 years: ($40,963.52)Leaving you a net worth benefit of $90,550.11 - ($40,963.52) = $131,513.63Here is a screenshot from our calculator on the difference in monthly payments between Renting vs House HackingThe winner is clear.