I think you could jointly apply, but check with your lender. 

I am actually currently in the process of obtaining a variance to convert my own property which is in a RSA-5 district into a two family dwelling. to start: the current zoning board is very developer friendly, so you have that on your side. the other factor that you have on your side is a genuine hardship.

I suggest you verify all information you get on public forums like BP that could be financially costly.Money an owner makes on the sale of his or her principal residence is excluded from being taxed up to $250,000 in gain for a single person and $500,000 for married couples filing taxes jointly. 

You seem genuinely interested in being an awesome PM.Something I've always sought and haven't seen a PM offer yet is stretching the vacancy-fill fee  out over the tenancy. 

and most of all, be genuine.  

We were married for 30 years, and during that time the rent checks were deposited into our joint checking account which provided the funds used to pay mortgage, property tax, and other expenses such as HOA.

(genuine curiosity and I'd love to help if I could.0A self directed IRA is an investment vehicle that uses retirement funds to invest in a multitude of options outside of the typical stocks, bonds and mutual funds. 

Your better off joint venturing with an investor if you can propose a profitable project

They would be in 2nd position on the property, talk to a mortgage lender about this.Buy as a Joint Venture LLC:  If they want a piece of the property pie, then do it the right way by creating it as an JV LLC. 

I have been investing in VTSAX through a joint brokerage account.