Risk too high for a first time buyer? 2-4 Unit in Brooklyn

[Gianni M.]

I've been looking for deals in brooklyn and queens to use an FHA loan and house hack to get started as a first property. I am feeling intimidated by the housing laws in NYC and the fact that a wrong move or bad tenant could put me in a bad position considering the fact I'm just starting out. Anyone have experience buying small multifamilies in NYC that could share any tips or words of warning?

I want to make the most of my savings (hence the FHA), plus I live in NYC and would like to for a while so I'd prefer to invest locally. My intention would be to hold the property for a very long time. That said, these areas are expensive so it seems unlikely I'd be making a profit at least the first couple years especially while paying mortgage insurance.