Do you need an FHA to house Hack?

[Gabriel Mertell]

If you don't qualify for an FHA loan what is the best route to enter into real estate investing? Can you still house hack without an FHA?

I am new to real estate and have been working towards house hacking my way in. I am in the culinary industry and have been going through hell with my current job. It literally breaks me down and exhausts me making it hard to concentrate on my bigger goals. Only reason I haven't left is the need of a w2 job for at least a year in order to qualify for an FHA loan. Work has me to the point of where its become unbearable. I refuse to give up and I am more than willing to take a harder route. Given I'm in the culinary industry I don't make a lot of money at all. I do have side hustles as in reselling off eBay and designing shirts for Amazon Merch. I know and understand you need to pay to play. I'm just looking for the best options for someone who isn't financially loaded but is willing to put in the work. All help is appreciated and I look forward to growing with this community that I've already learned so much from. Thank you