.  :-)I haven't even noticed that I've been responding to several of your posts lately, @Brian H. 

Desire 2: I envision growing fruits trees and vegetation in the properties I own in the future (does anyone know if there is a health code violation?

or should I sell them one at a time as  SFH's and spread the tax liability out over several years?

To summarize, there are several factors that have me (as a first time buyer looking at Multifamily FHA for house-hacking) to wonder how far off I am from purchase and starting this journey. 

I believe that, for one, you are severely underestimating capex and maintenance.

I've closed with several others and haven't had widely varying experiences so you should be just fine if you go with somebody besides these two. 

I have met with several successful commercial investors on the OBX, however none of them have experience in hotels. 

Yes, the fees cover your costs, which can add up if you have several applicants.

At US Commercial, we offer a different type of loan than you would use for your first several deals, so this is not a solicitation, but if you'd like a referral to a reputable lender that will pre-approve you, I'd be glad to make the introduction.Best of luck to you and way to go for being so ambitious at such a young age.Stephanie

I have lived this same type of story several times and it never, I repeat never works out.