The reality is, cold calling, direct mail, PPC/SEO, referrals, and strategic partnerships all have the potential to be effective.

I swear I can't control it... there's this sarcastic voice inside me that just takes over.'

It’s also not as cost effective to just upgrade one unit when it’s vacant because then you lose economies of scale and in the instance of materials things may not be available over an extended period of time and you may end up with mismatched windows or something.

Is it going to be the most effective way to maximize tax deductions and correctness?

Although I would like to try to do it myself, crafting effective operating agreements is outside my comfort zone.

Effectively turning a duplex into a triplex.Does anyone know if there is any issue with doing this?

Is it cost effective for smaller units? 

This is the most basic level of protection and it is not very effective, but it is still better than nothing.

OR, get smart, focus on what IS effective, and try to get with a GC who has some of the best direct supply account's and pricing, and negotiate to get the best discount from them they can lend.

I also wouldn't be opposed to using a 203k loan to finance and renovate a multifamily to house hack and rent out (I know it's a lot more work and harder to achieve but I think the potential could definitely make it worth while, especially with the up coming changes going into effect soon).