First Time House Hack - Multi-family - Building Team Timeline

[Justin Phen]

I'm a young W-2 engineer with a fiancée living in my parents' basement and eager to move out and invest in a multi-family home. From the books and podcasts, we've decided to house hack to start off. From these resources, I've learned that I need to build a team that includes a realtor, contractor, CPA, bookkeeper, lender, mentor, property manager, etc. 

I know there is no harm in building a relationship before I need them, but what should this timeline look like? 

Should I look to finding a great realtor in my area first, and does that cost me anything? 

I definitely know that talking to a CPA could cost me big bucks $$$ and I will have to do so along the road. What relationships can I build first before I start looking and buying a house and doesn't cost me a fortune?

I think that the first steps are crucial, and I don't expect to start running and hitting the ground hard. What were some things I should look out for, and what mistakes (common & uncommon, big or small) have you made starting out?