So you are doing construction in your yard, but not directly connected to the existing structure the tenant lives in and they are already complaining?

You can find ways to save in places that people won't utilize as much

Did you manage to find any lenders who will do this  model?

What actions and/or credentials make a landlord an active property manager to deem rental income/loss active in CA?

Hello @Tony P.There is a ton of potential in this business.

There are some great answers in this thread. 

I'm househacking my 4bd/3ba home in Henderson.

here is the situation. i left a really good paying job to take care of my 81 year old parents because my dad is chronically ill and my mom is almost there. i wont go into too much detail, but my sis doesnt help them. ill leave it at that. we have a person who comes twice a week to help with cleaning and other household tasks. i carry the bulk of the weight cooking their meals, running errands, grocery shopping, picking up meds, and taking them to dr appointments. its a full time job. i get a small salary of $1000 a month from a care giver sub contractor for the VA. ive been paying my bills with what savings ive had, but only have a few months of funds left. i own a duplex. i have over 200k in equity. i live in texas and texas has weird laws about refi and heloc/heloans when the property is 4 units or less and owner occupied. i would rather not sell, but if thats my only option i will have to at some point.does anyone have any advice or possibly be able to point me to lenders who might be able to work with my situation?

Often, those advantages are boots on the ground and market knowledge, which are the two things you have/are working on.I think, in general, you will find all those central Illinois areas provide decent cash flow with low appreciation - generally speaking. 

I've been listening to many BP real estate podcasts over the last few months and did some research on this area and it doesn't seem like the economy in the area is growing.