I lived in these units myself, it is a bit weird at first, but you quickly get use to it. 

Is this a primary residence you will live in?

Quote from @Lauren Brady: I'm looking to buy my first property as a primary residence, live in it for one year, house hack, and rent it out long term.

It is hard to make sense of the requirement to treat a home that you live in as a commercial property. 

Honestly we just want to afford the house we live in.

I currently live in California and I know that it's not in my buy box to afford anything here.

They lived on campus the first year, and in subsequent years, they lived in homes owned by investors that were rented by the room. 

These are usually people who live month-to-month. 

.: I am new to this and trying to gather as much  information as possible.We are mid fifties, living in a tourist area on the coast of GA.

It's a great way to drastically reduce or even eliminate your monthly housing expense.If you live there for at least two years and then sell, you may qualify for up to $250,000 in capital gains to be tax-free (as long as it’s your primary residence).