The problem I am running into is that the co-signer will not also be occupying, which was a red flag for this lender. 

@Carrie Mims Could be a potential red flag that no permits were pulled or the municipality does not consider that area of the home to be "livable square footage".

Huge red flags.

Obviously house-hacking a duplex, triplex, or a quad would help make your mortgage payment, but you would still be in the red, as far as budgeting for other operating expenses go. 

@Lucia RushtonThere are tons of articles on this topic available from HW, NYTimes, other industry players.

The chances of individuals/sole proprietors getting these RFP’s and tax credits are slim, as they save them for the non-profits and bigger players..but there are some loopholes.Check the city of Providence’s website for RFPs

Quote from @Suzanne Player: @Marc Possoff @Chris K.

Friend and family tenants and referrals can be some of the worst, so make sure you are not overlooking any red flags.For $600, I would say it's worth paying for a degree of separation.

It has created a large network of players and fan and some have turned into clients.

@John Boyd If there are any red flags they will be found during the inspection and determines if you want the house.