@Rick Albert That is a great idea, the problem I am having in CA is that the lenders I’ve spoken with have told me I don’t qualify for a necessary loan amount based on my income, even if I were to do a house hack.

The loan we were applying for is an FHA, which stipulates we must provide a signed lease for our half of the duplex (to be newly rented out) but for the other half which the parents "own" (in reality all three are equally owners of the entire property.) we would need to provide proof of rental income on our tax return, however her parents claimed that so we seem to be SOL.The mortgage is covered, we can rent it out no problem, but the underwriter is saying on paper it looks like she is responsible for the whole duplex and the rent for half of it is unreportable.

But, besides competition, why would I, or any other appraiser want to share my income when business is generally scarce at the moment. 

Anyone can do the same and the biggest misconception I see is “passive income”.

Quick info on me that could possibly help: Licensed realtor, good credit, first rehab I’ve owned but not the first flip project completed by the GC or by myself as the realtor, strong W2 income in addition to real estate.

But, could I minimize risk of renter defaulting on payments for the 2nd property by turning this property into a section 8 housing unit with guaranteed income from the gov't?

Thanks for your answer.They charge me 7% from gross income plus 13% of any repair or rehab wether I bring the vendor or they do it.how do you think?

I have multiple tax liens in Alabama and I’m unsure what to do or what way to go about any of them. my first is, a property that I will get a tax deed next year if not redeemed.

You need to get your income up.

RE is nothing but getting out a spreadsheet and putting in all of your costs and all of your income.