I assume this is in LA...have you asked about the DP required to get a high balance conforming loan? 

...if the vacancies are frequent or extended, it can be a big expense, so I analyze this thoroughly.As for house-hacking specific costs, there are things like furniture/appliances/decor for the common areas of the house, costs of screening applicants (like background checks), cost to advertise, the time and effort required to manage a house hack, etc.  ...although these expenses are worth consideration, they tend to be much smaller and almost inconsequential compared to the big capex expenses that can come with buying the wrong property (e.g.; you might spend a couple hundred bucks on tenant screening, but a new roof might cost $20k+).Back when I was house hacking regularly, one of the most significant "costs" was the cost of my time and effort to acquire tenants (which includes all the time and effort of posting ads, responding to inquiries, answering questions, doing viewings, screening applicants, managing tenants once they were in-place, etc.).

REP status is specifically trying to override this $150k limit, but it's out of your reach, unless you have a spouse who can qualify.Rules for STRs (short-term rentals) are different and do not require REPS. 

It requires a lot of money spent on marketing for it to be profitable and scalable.Feel free to reach out with any questions.

The rates are competitive, but they require a larger down payment, usually around 50%, but your client could get in a great 3 fam in Bushwick, Bed Stuy, etc. 

My questions span broad areas and as I continue to do my own research, I'd really appreciate any experienced investors and residents who can chime in:1) For those who have invested in Chicago and DFW, or moved from one to the other, are there any qualitative differences in the way homeowners approach rehabs, structural issues, expenses requiring insurance claims, or any other major overhauls that a newbie must account and budget for?

It's okay condition for me to live there, but may require some upgrade and some fixing if I rent it out. 

However, a real estate agent would similarly be required in most cases to disclose defects therefore they will be more inclined to keep the transaction together even with your concession request.

It is not a highly desirable place in Indy, it is more of a low C/D area.

They are required to pay back the insurance company or have their credit marred and they can no longer use the "insurance".