Like every other aspect of our society, our culture sells lifestyles and lifepaths to people regardless of class, when income disparity is great than ever.

Thanks Randall; so I guess this would be where the creative finance aspect of real estate comes in.

Long story short, we will need to talk to people smarter than ourselves to sort this as there are so many aspects to it. 

One aspect I like is having control over whether we charge the late fee. 

This aspect of investing is very new to me.

So thinking it is a value add is Typically only True for the income aspect (I.e. the additional rent).  

I think this is the worst aspect of investing in apartments.

If anyone has any recommendations on real estate agents to get in contact with or advice on any other aspect of my house hacking journey I would greatly appreciate some expert advice. 

Plus, many other aspects make its much more complicated. 

Make it clear up front1. the term you plan on borrowing for2. what it will be used for, including property address3. payment and interest terms4. end game or exit strategies5. what the borrower and lenders role is (lender vs equity partner)the last 2 are important to preserving a relationship. have plan up front for if things go wrong. also, make sure they are aware they are a lender, not equity investor on the property, and you control all aspects of the project. in return they get a steady return. private money from friends/family can be one of the best sources of capital, but you have to understand the person you are approaching. i have very close family members that i would never ask to lend because i do not want to jeopardize the relationship based on their personality.