Wanted to ask some questions/clarifications around primary home residence renting out rooms. I'm trying to buy a home and the only way I can afford these insane prices and rates in nicer areas is to also rent out a basement/room.

I've been trying to dig through the city laws but want to make sure I clearly understand them for both locations for both short and long term rentals.

Main questions:

• For short-term rentals, Arlington seems to have a new 'accessory homestay' permit. I see that I would have to live in the unit at least 185 days, but if less than that I assume no short term rentals would be allowed? (thinking about the case where I may need to move in 2-5 years)
• I don't see the number of days Arlington considers as a short-term rental. I'd assume it's something like < 30 days, but don't see it listed on this page anywhere.
• For single-family zoning (R-6 for example), are there any restrictions on long-term leases? In the case I'm not able to airbnb rooms, would want to know that i'd be able to do standard 1-year leases
• Also looking for any clarity on "mid-term" leases, where I might be able to rent rooms/the basement for 30days at a time

Same for all of the above for Alexandria. Maybe I'm crazy, but trying to find clear statements on any of these things has been difficult for me searching through the city websites/permit process.

In general also would love guidance on what areas you think aren't too insane and I'd still be able to get either (a) AirBNB rentals, or (b) long term renters without too much vacancy.