I'd also find a real estate agent who knows the house hacking strategy or has house hacked themselves if you plan on using an agent. 

I've done some research and see some suggesting randomly showing up at the house (don't want to do that) or sending a letter/mailer (those things are usually thrown out).

Hi BP -- I'm currently working on my first House Hack.

Repairs are a nuisance,  but an expected part of all housing.

Built a great business flipping and selling houses. 

I also house hack and rent a room as a MTR and I've gone with high quality items to ensure durability.

Now they are screwed - every time they fill out an application, for their next rental, to buy anything on credit (like a car) or buying a house...this Judgement will pop up and they will be denied.

Regardless of the house-hacking issues, mixing business with pleasure is often fraught with peril.

Looking at my first property and there is a severely intense odor in the basement (concrete) and some slight orders on the other levels of the house as well (hardwood floors and carpet).

Investigate government programs such as HUD, USDA, and FHA loans, select investment techniques such as house hacking, turnkey homes, or purchase and hold, and assess properties using tools such as Grants.gov, HUD.gov, and BiggerPockets.Good luck!