There are a couple downsides to multifamily house hacking though :1. they typically can take some money to get rent ready b/c they are typically sold by investors as previous rentals2.

In other words, a company looking for qualified investors gives referral fees, but a nonrealtor knows some qualifed investors who may be interested and wants to know if there is an agreement for that.I believe there is a name for that, and are there examples?

For example: If a buyer find's unknown issues and wants to negotiate the price down, you may go back to the seller and discuss it with them.

Losses from passive activities typically cannot offset active income (W-2).

Tax lien states where you purchase the lien typically do not run into the 10's of thousands but rather are dictated by the amount of property tax owed, typically less than a few grand.

Typically in private lending the smaller deals have significantly higher risk

Is there a seasoning period required before a heloc is given and how long does the application process typically take? 

One example for sure was that there were no exhausts over either of the stoves in the units and that was a big thing for me because I cook food on a daily basis.

This is meant only as an example, but I personally know of 2 specific funds, very trustworthy and experienced, that are paying between 8-12% preferred returns with projected  returns higher.Unless, you want to be more active in your investing or do more direct investing.

One anecdote typically does not prove a trend but my 23 years of experience has been consistent with the following real-life examples:I purchased a small 1,500 square foot home in Mill Valley in May 1997 for $445,000.