Full disclosure, I recently started coaching rehab for them since I have 20 years experience in remodel and design.

I think the top factors are type of home (comparing single family to apartment is no longer done), overall size, and interior features like central AC, approximate age of renovation, etc.

The rent is guaranteed by other tenants, the regional chapter or the state will pay the rent.Those podcasts are designed to attract eyeballs.

Some H&R folks have earned the designation Enrolled Agent or EA.

The home was a big interior and exterior clean up with minor construction.

Before you move ahead is there a particular reason why having this commercial space is important to the project or are you building this design because that's what the zoning requires?

For under $300k, both shipping containers and modular homes can be great options—modular might offer a bit more flexibility with design. 

However, I noticed that most homes in the neighborhood have vertical fences.Do you think it’s advisable to go with a horizontal design, or would it be better to stick with a vertical style to maintain consistency with the neighborhood aesthetic?

Conventional financing is geared and regulated for the owner occupied homeowner and is designed to protect that borrower from poor lending practices.  

I’d recommend reaching out to a local architect or design-build firm who has experience with both home additions and ADU construction to help bring your vision to life.