This means you need boots on the ground.

It is also nice to have competition and a back up plan with trades. 

I found this deal through a conversation with other condo owners, who mentioned that the seller was motivated to sell.

I'd find a mortgage broker who understands your strategy well enough to advise on products designed to help you scale. 

There are so many different companies out there, so if you've had a good experience with a particular agent or company that would be huge.

However, with the frequent incidents and the persistent odor, even after cleaning, I’m beginning to wonder if this has become the norm for STRs in urban areas.Any advice or tips on how to prevent this would be greatly appreciated!

I only ask because I work with a few different builders that have 2-4 units in growing markets.

This is my second duplex and I do not have experience renting to someone in this situation.

Hi @Douglas Alexander, I've used the VA loan many times, but never for MFR.You can't use it for more than a 4-unit building, so 1-4 is OK, 5 or more... nope.Great plan though to house-hack it.Let me know how your research turns out ref. building from scratch.Could be an interesting idea... build like a 3/2 for your family and 3 more smaller units.Then when you move out, you can rent the 3/2 for more obviously and could earn some good cash flow.

This is technically a method of buying/selling real estate, which is illegal without a real estate or law license.