Seeking advice: Feeling stuck

[Avery Heilbron]

Hello BP,

I have been going to go see houses as well as analyzing deals  for a potential househack in the Boston area. I have been looking at the Everett/Chelsea area because of the potential upside for the future as well as it having the lowest barrier to entry for a multifamily in the area. Most 2 units range from 550-625 and 3 units from 600-725.

In my first deal I am not really trying to buy a total gut job . I am looking for something that I can live in and rent out that is the standard for the area. As time goes I would fix up the place etc. (Not trying to be a slumlord). 

The trouble I am having is because I have gone to a few lenders and the highest I have been pre-approved for is 525k for a 2 family and 625k for a 3 family. Most options in that range are usually a total gut job or if it's the type of place I want to/ can get in to the offer point would be well below my competition as well as an FHA offer which is already less enticing. Essentially my lenders have said that I need to make more money (I make 65k/ yr) or I can find a single family. It is also worth noting my credit is only 6 months old. It is however quite solid at this stage for how young it is(700+).

I am feeling stuck because I am wondering if I should wait and save even more, or buy a single family (where I will also have low purchasing power), find hard money, or something else. I only just graduated and get a 6% raise for the first few years so my salary will not be increasing very quickly. 

I am getting slightly discouraged when I see these househacking opportunities pass me by. I am having trouble answering the "How can I afford it?" question

Any and all suggestions are welcome.