To House Hack, Or Not To House Hack

[Joe Kilchermann]

I'm 21, married with an almost 2 year old daughter. My wife and myself are both still in college. I will be graduating in May of 2021. My Job should provide an estimate of 40-45k a year. My wife will be staying home. We currently have 10k in savings. I have thought about, and been told, to house-hack. I know my wife would prefer to get our home first (no house hacking) then I start real-estate investing.

If I do the House Hacking method, what style should I go for(i.e. 2, 3, or 4 unit multi-family)?

If I don't go for House Hacking, what could I do in it's stead to prepare for investing?

My current fear is that I will get stuck in "analysis paralysis" so I am trying to take action now, even if it is not much.

Thank you for your time!