We have looked into quite a few traditional mortgage options but they usually don't factor in the cash flow every month.

We can expect this pattern to continue into 2014, known as interior design personalization.

These can all play a factor in getting the best win-win deal. :)

Many of the title/designations are just to prove you took classes or learned something.

I personally like knowing that I have much more control over my RE investment than my money being at the mercy of many different factors.

That's definitely a motivating factor to not ruin the garbage disposal.And the other idea I've had that doesn't seem to have been brought up is to do a lease option on the property.

That will depend upon your goals, other income sources AND several other factors.

As she began having a hard time living on her own, and we were building a new house, we designed a room and living area specifically for her.

Have you factored in turnover rehab, CPA/attorney fees, Evictions, etc into your calculations?

After seeing it for a planning process, I'm absolutely certain that if I tried to change my zoning from sfr/duplex (the current designation) to a triplex designation, I would have to fight my neighbors tooth and toenail.