@Lane Kawaoka thanks for the insight...sounds like from you perspective it would be better to go after a minimum of a 1.25M property to obtain better financing, so that the loan exceeds that $1M threshold.

@Wendy Vaidic interesting question and some good insights and references being noted.

I heard Insightly was good. 

See if you could shadow them and offer to maybe do some paperwork for them in exchange of learning the ropes. 

In the world of tax deferred exchanges we'd call this buying a "split use" or "mixed use" property.

Thank you for your insight

I appreciate the insight and wisdom.

I know an agent there who would probably be able to give you some insight on the office.

@Natalie Schanne Hey Natalie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights.

in SF have some insight.....On 9/1, I leased a three-bedroom apartment in San Francisco from the landlord who lives in the upper unit (owner-occupied duplex).