How do you know if you have stable enough income for House Hacking?

[Ben Stanley]

Just joined these forums so hopefully this is in the right thread.

I work freelence and W2 work and I want to invest in real estate next year. The main thing that has held me back in the past is that my income can sometimes be turbulent with the nature fo work I do. 

What would you say is the correct way to gauge if your income is solid enough to invest in a house hack? I was thinking having extra saved would help as well.