With live-in flipping, how can you figure out what part of your gains is from the real estate market increase as opposed to gains from your own sweat equity and rehabbing? 

Just increase the next rent to recoup some parts of the costs.

The goals that I hope to achieve through real estate investing are: 1) to provide a cash flow stream for my mother as she gets older and requires assisted living or nursing home facilities, 2) provide a cash flow stream for my younger brother (who has Down's Syndrome) as he gets older and requires assisted living facilities and increased medical attention, and 3) provide a means of early retirement for me and my older brother.While listening to BP podcast #276 (my favorite) the other morning, I had that lightbulb moment of how to get started in real estate investing. 

Best advice I can give you now is to keep increasing your RE knowledge through books, podcasts, webinars, etc!

Primarily, we are looking for BRRRR and buy & hold properties and know rehab expenses are imminent.Question - What's the best way to increase our lending limits without completely tanking our scores?     

Value add investments typically have in-place cash flow and that cash flow can be increased over time by re-positioning the property and through operational improvements. 

The materials alone for commercial services have increased significantly in recent years. 

Flipping by nature  most likely will be considered a business holding in renting give you the luxury of not paying Social Security and Medicare.  

When RE looks like Bitcoin, be very wary.The Zestimate for this house is $939,904, which has increased by $50,369 in the last 30 days.

I have noticed potential agents/tenants tend to avoid going to homes where there is a current tenant.On the other hand, does the increased marketing exposure help get it rented without vacancy?