What do they see them selling for per unit, what is the market occupancy rate.

Does the city allow occupancy in the building?  

I inform the insurance agent that we have acquired the property and we will be getting the property occupant ready so it is understood the property is vacant during the repairs.We carry a $1,000.00 deductible and if the repairs are $1600.00 we pay it out of our pocket.

@Rob Ringlehan VA loans typically require 1 year occupancy, just like FHA.

Maybe if you cross into san bernardino or riverside or even Kern county as you mentioned you might be able to make it work with FHA but then your occupancy may be in question because you're working too far from your employment (unless if you telecommute).

@Alex Lawson... do they have 5% down owner occupant loans in Ontario?

I don't know what the vacancy might be in BV, but if you have 100% occupancy, you should be able to triple the "normal" monthly going rate for a year lease.

As a house hacking owner occupant you have the huge benefit of being able to acquire a duplex for as little as 3.5% down with the right lender while the rest of us need 20% or even 25% ( cash out refi). 

Where can you create value - Increasing occupancy, reducing expenses, increasing revenue from other sources in addition to raising rent... 

The first one was running 95% or better occupancy.