With a long term rental, you cannot do that unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional, which is a much higher bar.You will still get normal depreciation every year, which helps, but it will not turn a negative-cash-flow property into a tax win.

The small multi space in expensive markets can be a weird no-man’s land.Here’s the framework I use when choosing between the two:If the SFH rents at a stronger price-to-cost ratio than a duplex, and leases faster with a stickier tenant base, SFH wins every time.If the small multi gives you true economies of scale (shared utilities, lower taxes per door, strong rental demand), then the multi wins.In many Florida submarkets, SFH simply has the advantage.If your long-term goal is to replace your W2, the most important thing is buying into the product type that actually rents fast and stays full in your market.

Win-Win strategy. 

But here’s the part people forget:House hacks aren’t judged on cash flow — they’re judged on how cheap they make your life while you live there.If you live in one unit, the other tenant is basically paying the majority of your housing cost, and that’s the real win.

Those are two wins.

You can win the world series by just stacking up singles and doubles, over and over.

For Commercial lenders, your best bet will be LOCAL banks who can possibly walk the property with their lending team.

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.Purchase price: $5,000Sale price: $15,000Contributors:Peter VekselmanPartner Driven and Marc Segien scored a fast and clean win in Algona, Iowa.

Plus the borrower was also in foreclosure on that loan, so the winning bidder now is the one  in foreclosure.

I bet they will be more aggressive with docs and questions along the way DSCR or not.