@John BergstromMany taxpayers are finding themselves taking the standard deduction as that has increased substantially starting in 2018.You may be able to "shift" some of the mortgage interest/ property taxes as a business deduction if you rent a portion of the house as you suggest or use a portion of the house as a home office.

I'd be careful about undercutting other office splits, as the type of agents that sort of plan attracts aren't usually the ones you want...plus they'll jump when a cheaper options comes available.

I like to call it doctor dentist office hacking..

and think you hired them to be a consultant instead of a worker bee?

You will ask everybody for business and referrals.Definitely interview Brokers and get a feel for the office.. 

Let your secretary sit in the closing office waiting for that money transfer to get signed over.

I’m using the house as my home base and office space while in Memphis.

However, one of my good friends and co workers here in San Diego went to UL and rented there for many years.  

The surveyor works in conjunction with the engineer, usually in the same office.

I see many write that you can buy a multi-family, live in it for a year and purchase another multi-family.I can see going from a multi-unit house to single family house but can’t see taking advantage of the second tier entitlement from single to multi family, I know va loan officers and underwriters can be sticklers due to the va loan guidelines, so my question is to any former underwriters/loan officers, what are considered some legit reasons to take advantage of the second tier entitlement and what tangible evidence needs to be provided?