Could we buy it with an FHA-type loan and house hack while I'm working in the area AND write off the rent of the apartment we'd be in as a business expense for my freelance gig?

I have asked for the basics such as rent roll, history of monthly expenses etc. 

I am not saying don't pursue these types of properties, just be prepared and realize you will need to be a much more hands on manager and should probably do some monthly or quarterly inspections to see whats going on inside.D class are paper tigers.. there is just no changing the tenant experience unless your literally there daily watching every thing.. even then your going to run much higher expenses that other rentals.. its just how that tenant class lives.. no mystery to it..  

I've seen seasoning periods as low as 30 days (Rare and more expensive) But typically it is a 6 mo to 1 year requirement 

It allows units and would be a less expensive alternative to FHA when it comes to mortgage insurance, particularly because it can come off after the mortgage gets to around 80% loan to value. 

If you use a PM company you will pay 10% of rent + expenses.

Here are some reasons why: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contributions limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)

Its expensive, but if you truly do what they tell you to do, you cant help but be successful.I hope this helps.  

You'll either meet another investor or a contractor. both can be valuable resources. i also suggest you buy the book by @J Scott on estimating rehab expenses.

The current area I'm in is rather expensive.