Best way to acquire 2-4 unit

[John Lewis]

My wife and I are looking to acquire a 2-4 unit that we will occupy one of the units and rent out the remaining units. I want to know who else has used this house hacking strategy. Also I really want to know if you bought at retail with already renovated units or did you go in and add value, a lot of the properties that I see 1 unit has been renovated and the other unit still needs some updating. Those are attractive to me because I can rent out the renovated unit and update the other unit while my wife and I are occupying it. We're going through the 1st time home buyers program so the place has to pass inspection in order for us to buy it.

Thank You.