Not so much.... unless you're exceptionally good at multi-tasking and can negotiate with buyers / sellers / investors, etc. while doing demo, framing out walls, putting up drywall, painting, etc.You should also consider your own skills, licensure, etc. versus professionals in the skilled trades and other occupations (attorneys, accountants, property managers, etc.).My $0.02...

My inspector will confirm all of that shortly but I know I'm going to need to do a few things to get a Certificate of Occupancy. 

@Rob Ringlehan VA loans typically require 1 year occupancy, just like FHA.

Maybe if you cross into san bernardino or riverside or even Kern county as you mentioned you might be able to make it work with FHA but then your occupancy may be in question because you're working too far from your employment (unless if you telecommute).

@Alex Lawson... do they have 5% down owner occupant loans in Ontario?

I don't know what the vacancy might be in BV, but if you have 100% occupancy, you should be able to triple the "normal" monthly going rate for a year lease.

As a house hacking owner occupant you have the huge benefit of being able to acquire a duplex for as little as 3.5% down with the right lender while the rest of us need 20% or even 25% ( cash out refi). 

Where can you create value - Increasing occupancy, reducing expenses, increasing revenue from other sources in addition to raising rent... 

Occupancy is historically very high and it's not affordable to build new which makes for a very interesting dynamic.

Plus I will be living there - and I know I got a lot of people on BP saying that going back they wouldn't be their own PM but it will give me experience and I only plan to live there for the occupancy requirements (1 year) and then move into my next investment.