Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusion

I think one reason stick framing is more popular here is due to full basements being the normal construction method.

This is not normal unless they have pending bills they need to ensure get paid. 

@Anjali L.First you want to see if it makes sense of putting a personal residence into an LLC as an LLC is normally meant for business purposes.Furthermore, you may lose your homestead exemption by transferring it into an LLC.Other costs include cost to transfer the property(Title costs).Your insurance may go up.Best of luck.

What is more disturbing is it seems like that kind of remark had some sense of acceptance or normality.

I normally use my own excel.

Only buy what you normally would buy, don't start blowing it out thinking you only have to meet the minimum - that's dumb. 

It would normally be their responsibility to tarp the roof. 

Normally, with Mexican banks, it's 50% and the interest rate is in the double digits!

If the tenants both work normal hours then what?