USD is geriatric in the ICU hooked to a million tubes and wires like a human-vegetable to keep breathing.

Only butting in because this can be a big deal, there is nothing more, besides the paycheck, that is appreciated more than tangible recognition for a job well done, it strokes the ego, and for workmen who take pride in what they do (The Pride of the American Worker) it's important.It sets you aside from being an employer to being a friend as well.It sets you aside from others they may work for.If you have an emergency or a really short fuse on a deal and you call them, it's just human nature to help out your friends or best clients ahead of others.

If you were buying where you live, you could possibly pursue FHA financing and live in the house while renting out rooms or find a property with a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) or MIL suite to live in while renting out the main house.Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions or need advise as you define your investing strategy this year!

There IS such a thing as a CO2 detector, but to my knowledge, they are not typically used in residential dwellings.  

Quote from @John Warren: Our minimum criteria is 600 credit score or better, income of 3X the rent and no criminal or eviction history.John,How is the Cook County Human Rights Commission rule on not asking about convictions until after financial qualifications affecting your operations in Berwyn and Cicero? 

These were not tenants of mine but after I bought the housesI think human urine is worse though.....in large quantities.....?

I have a mobile home on the property along with 2 other dwellings which is why I can’t go conventional.

House hacking in one's dwelling is still house hacking nonetheless.

I won't speak on the illegal apartments but I will say this: the dwelling is residential real estate so if you renovate, make it look like the other renovated buildings in your area.

I think you are risking a lawsuit as most people would assume some level of privacy inside a dwelling even if renting just one room.