That whole process is a separate post, and includes filing the claim, coordinating with the adjustor and my mgmt, providing the adjustor receipts and documentation, catching that my claim reward accidentally excluded a material part of the plumbing repair, receiving two separate claim checks, depositing them without realizing they required endorsements by my mortgage servicer, having the checks rejected by my bank while incurring fees, having the insurance company re-issue the checks directly to my loan servicer, finally depositing the checks this past weekend…and while I write this I’m realizing I may have coverage for lost rental income to follow up on!

James, your intentions are great, and I highly recommend your approach---total transparency, explain, explain, explain, and be up front about risks and rewards. 

I've been a software engineer for almost 10 years, and while it's certainly rewarding in its own right, it can be extremely stressful and draining mentally.

Regarding, insurance, you might be able to get a policy, but if you submit a claim, the insurance company may deny the claim due to your illegal use of the property.You will need to personally weigh the risk vs. the reward.

If you're going to live in it, you may as well let the lender pay for the renovations and reap the reward of appreciation.Stephanie

This made sense since I knew I could pay it off, I earned cash back rewards, and my cash earned interest while sitting in my savings account.

If you want to accelerate your passive income, tapping into the equity of your paid off home may be a great way to reap the rewards of the hard work that went into paying it off in the first place.

I do plan to open a business card for travel rewards/points but I am unsure whether I can charge the house hack renovation expenses to a business card...  

Staying the course in real estate investing will bring rewards that most will never get to experience.

I have found it to be very rewarding.