Looking to start investing in NY

[Iftear Naser]

Hello, I am 25 years old and currently living in NY. I am looking to get started investing in real estate, specifically owner occupied rental properties/house hacking. However, the challenge is that properties in NY are ridiculously expensive and the more affordable houses are the ones that are secluded in areas I am not sure people would want to live in. I have considered FHA loans which would help my case but still with the over priced houses in this area my fear is that if I buy a property and am not able to find tenants soon enough I'd be stuck with a very expensive mortgage. If anyone could offer any guidance or strategies that could help me combat this situation that would be great.