New Yorkers: Help me find a place to live! I need an actionable short term plan

[Conway Churaman]

Because I decided not to invest in the very same triplex I've been renting from for many years, I have to move out (long story).  

I can't focus on learning about REI while I have a deadline to move out of my place. I need to find a place to live so I can then focus on my REI education. Can fellow NYers help a guy out? I can only afford around $1,100 a month for a 1 bedroom. If it's a studio then it would have to be a nice studio. It would also have to be a low crime, decent neighborhood. Those types of places for for at least $1,500 a month in Brooklyn where I am now. Problem is I had been spoiled by only having to pay $1,000 for my unit. My family had a good thing going with the owner for many years till he decided to sell.

I am seeing units for around $1,100 in Staten Island in relatively nice neighborhoods on Trulia.com and other sites. I am considering a move there. Is house hacking or buying a duplex or triplex for multiple income streams a viable option for me with NY prices? How does an FHA loan potentially fit into the picture? How does that actually work by the way? I would have to apply first to see what I can afford? If so, what should I do on a multi-family? Come up with a business plan and apply for a conventional loan?

I have 30k in savings which I want to keep aside for contingency when I eventually start investing.  But perhaps I need to start now with a house hack so I can live someplace first using a 403k or other similar govt backed loans.  I need a very specific strategy and plan for my particular situation.  I wish I could consult with a NY Biggerpockets mentor type.

Any input appreciated.  Thanks

[Michael R.]

@Conway Churaman

Some red flags:

I can't focus on learning about REI while I have a deadline to move out of my place. 

Why not? If that's how you feel, then don't try to.  What can you do?

I need to find a place to live so I can then focus on my REI education. 

Finding a place to live is separate from learning about REI. You follow this statement with asking for a strategy to do both things that you state you cannot do. So, what do you need?

I need a very specific strategy and plan for my particular situation. 

It would seem you need to find a place to live and then focus on your REI education. Two separate things. Which is the specific strategy you may consider given that you can't focus on REI with a deadline, as you state above.

I wish I could consult with a NY Biggerpockets mentor type.

If a BP Mentor met with you, would you tell them that you have a tight time frame to find a place to live and learn about REI? How do you think that message would be received? If someone came to you with tight deadlines and a seemingly stressful situation, would you stop what you were doing to make them a priority?

Your initial post was pretty dramatic.  Consider writing down all of your current needs. Evaluate them and prioritize them.  Once you've done that, focus on the one most immediately important task that by completing you can focus on the others.  Simplify this situation so you don't have to try to focus on two things at once.

I hope that helps.