Owner occupiers: how much did you compromise starting out?

[Carey Lilly]

This is a sort-of repost. I noobed and accidentally posted it in my local forum.

I'm currently in the market for an owner-occupied multi-family. I'm weighing a couple of options, but there's one in particular that I think has potential as an investment. The problem is that as a home, it comes with some compromises. The place is only about 800 sq ft not including the unfinished basement), and it has no garage (I do my own vehicle maintenance). The pluses are the location, which is ideal at this price, it's turn-key (I'm not in a position to renovate), and it's an easy commute to my job. I'm assuming/hoping that as a beginner REI this is not my "forever" home. So I guess my question is, should I buy something where I have to make compromises, or should I hold out to see if something comes along that suits me better? What are your your first owner-occupied stories?

[Russell Brazil]

@Carey Lilly There is never a perfect home. You are always going to have to sacrifice something. So it is really just a matter of prioritization of what the most important features are to you. Is it the garage, the location, the finishes, the size, the schools, etc.