Hi BP, Looking for towns/cities outside Savannah GA, Charleston SC that have affordable duplex, triplexes for a house-hack.

I really won't be limited by my lender much at all, I'm pre-approved for a higher amount that I can afford a down payment for (when also considering closing cost, inspections etc...) even with doing FHA or a low down payment conventional loan.I haven't gotten a credit card yet because I'm just starting to analyze properties and don't want to make any changes that would effect my pre-approval. 

I live near Cincinnati, so I'm biased, but I believe Ohio is a great place to buy-and-hold because you can find affordable rentals that cash flow well and Cincinnati and Columbus are economically diverse and stable.

The only solution I came up with is: just move out because they would have to pay market rent + 15k and that would be hard to afford.

How are you going to be able to afford the rent? 

I would re-run your numbers with you living there and see what's what.Lastly, if you can afford 5% down (and assuming you have good credit) look into a low-down payment conventional loan.

I can afford to make all the payments with my W2 income so I'm not in any kind of serious financial distress, but banks really aren't eager to give me options with my score where it is. 

Affordable housing starter homes is where the growth market is.If it were me, I would turn around and sell them all for a profit and buy other cash flowing multi units but you have a great opportunity for tenant buyers if you wanted to rent for a while and sell 1 when you see a better opportunity.I would not combine your properties.

Because its C class, the rents are quite affordable. 

I agree with you on the conversion of hotel to multifamily, and it would pose a tangible solution to the affordable housing crisis.