Preparation tips for my first purchase

[Jason Delgado Alonzo]

Hello, I am looking to start my real estate journey, and am estimating I will have all my "ducks in a row" within 8 months to a year from now. That being said my goal is to take advantage of an fha loan (and 203k if applicable) to purchase a small multifamily which I will then househack.

I am about 50 shows in to the Bigger Pockets Podcast and am absolutely loving all the info. I have been taking all book recommendations and compiling a list and have started working my way through those as well.

My question to the veterans in the industry is, how can I best prepare myself for the road ahead? What kind of funds should I have in a reserve account for unforeseen issues? Is there a good source to look for small multifamily homes (specifically in the Seattle - Tacoma area or outlying areas)? 

Thank you for an and all input!