But Generally, most lenders will want to see that the lease or market rent can support the mortgage payment, the borrower does not intent to live in the property, the borrower has 20% down + closing costs, 6 months reserves, and credit is above 620. 

Does VA allow you to purchase a small multi-family and live in one of the units?

He will be living in part of the home and i will not be.

I understand cashflow and making money will come in 7-10 years.my situation: I live in the Bay Area but housing is out of my price range.

I used to live in South Florida and have been to Hollywood many times, but I am unfamiliar with this specific area.

I'd rather see you learn by doing, investing that $30,000 or so and making some mistakes, than just spending it on education and ending up with nothing but a little knowledge.You can also check out LAREIC https://lareic.com/   or maybe if you live somewhere else another local club. 

Originally, I lived in the main portion of this house and rented the mother-in-law suite (primary bedroom) separately on Airbnb.

I am finding conflicting information about whether or not this is allowed in Jacksonville, Florida.I've found info stating that the owner must live in one unit and rent the other, or must rent both units to the same tenant, and the two units cannot be rented separately to two different tenants.

We are currently living in a home that my parent's paid for in cash.

Father lives out of state.