Using Youtube to learn trades is valuable as well as reading Code books.

Yes you can, generally the same as traditional conventional but it’ll be based on property zip code and value.

Many people make the mistake of solving the rent side first and getting tripped up later by code compliance or lender requirements.Where I’ve seen it work:• Owner-occupied house hacks transitioning after the 12-month occupancy rule• Markets with strong blue-collar or voucher demand• Properties where layout already supports separation without major structural workWhere it struggles:• Strict zoning municipalities• HOA-controlled neighborhoods• Markets where insurance and property taxes spike once use changesBottom line: it’s viable, but it’s not a passive or plug-and-play strategy.

This is why master-metered heat is one of the biggest margin killers in small multifamily.Short-term mitigation options:• Install lockboxes or programmable thermostats with limited ranges (still compliant with local code)• Improve insulation, weather stripping, and seal air leaks• Service and balance the heating system to make sure it’s not over-firingThese help, but they won’t fully solve it.Real fix (long term):• Sub-meter heat if feasible, or• Convert to individual heating systems, or• Underwrite higher rents that assume landlord-paid heat as a permanent expenseMany Chicago investors simply bake this into rent and accept lower margins, or they eventually reposition the building when leases roll.Do not try to change rules mid-lease.Any change to utilities or control needs to happen at renewal and be documented properly, or you risk violations.Blunt truth:If you’re paying the heat, tenants will use it.

No heavy rehabs on Deal #1.2) Guardrails that protect beginners:Minimum cash reserves after closing: 6 months of mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities.Underwrite to DSCR ≥ 1.20 on conservative rents (property should pay its own debt).All-in payment (PITI + PM) ≤ 35% of your W-2 take-home if house-hacking.Avoid areas where one bad tenant can sink you—stick to blocks with visible pride of ownership.3) What $50k can do (example allocation):Down payment & closing costs: ~$30k–$35k (think 5–20% down depending on loan/occupancy).Initial repairs & furnishings (if MTR): ~$5k–$10k (paint, floors, safety, locks).Reserves (non-negotiable): $10k+ (target 6 months PITI).If you owner-occupy, look at low-down options (FHA/Conventional 3–5% down) to stretch the cash and keep reserves strong.4) Why your healthcare background is a superpower:You understand staffing cycles and credentialing timelines; that maps well to MTR demand from traveling clinicians.Start by mapping drive times to local hospitals/clinics and shortlisting safe, quiet neighborhoods within ~15 minutes.5) 90-Day Action Plan:Weeks 1–2 – Education + TeamLearn the 5 numbers that matter: Rent, Taxes/Insurance, Maintenance/CapEx, Management, Mortgage payment.Build your team: investor-friendly agent, lender (ask about DSCR & low-down house-hack options), home inspector, handyman, insurance broker, property manager (or MTR co-host).Pick your Buy Box (price band, zip codes, property type).

For example, if the improvements don't meet code, he shouldn't expect to be repaid the $200k he paid to make the improvements. 

Whether that's hiring a VA, automating your data pulls, or partnering with someone who handles that piece - don't let deal sourcing become a full-time job on top of everything else.Now I pull Columbus distressed property data weekly (tax delinquent, code violations, motivation scored) and it's one less thing competing for bandwidth when pipes burst or permits pop up.

I've seen an approach that is giving a "creator/influencer" a unique discount code.

Sell all property built before year 2000 (have owned houses as old as 1840 with asbestos, lead based paint and non-code compliant)2.

We list our properties and they want to meet for a walk though but I'm on the other side of the country.... so we have them do an application first (People HATE THIS) before either giving them the lock box code or paying someone to go out and show it.