If you decide to move forward with C areas, become intimately familiar with the concept of internal rate of return (IRR).  

I started calling around in August and no one could get us in until October and at that point in time we had every intention of having it rented by then so we took it on more out of necessity.

Let people know what your trying to do and ask for help, you will in time meet the right folks who can get you started!

How far back should I go in time when it comes to selecting a date in the Mortgage Origination Date Section. 

If I could go back in time ~7 years (before wife and kids) I would do exactly what your Plan A is - buy an owner-occupied duplex with a 3.5%-5% down loan and house hack.

@Chan K. what happens when you pressure the seller to close sooner and then your lender cannot fund in time?

This deal was a wise decision, considering the amount and body of knowledge provided here in BP, by the BP community members, books, blogs, and tools, all compressed in time so that what took decades of mistakes by other members combined had given you a considerable leverage.

@Marc Carlson @Stephen Torti Sorry for not getting back to you in time.  

For instance I have a few JV's 1) out of country investor that just wants 20% return. 2) 50/50 - acquisition/rehab split 3) 50/50 - same as 2 but teaching someone the ropes/my knowledge in the area in the deal(usually one time deals) 4) long term partners seeking to leverage one another in time/money. 

So I have researched this and is something I truly want to do and will do in time.