WFH Job = Live Anywhere -> Best Markets to Hack In?

[Gabriel Marvis]

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I am starting a WFH job in Summer 2021 and can live anywhere in the U.S. (i.e., the Company is fully distributed independent of COVID-19 circumstances). I strongly believe I can happily live in any state/city (within reason; obviously wouldn't want to hack in a place like Compton, CA) for 1-2 years while getting my FIRST house-hack up and running. I've run some math and think I can afford properties in the $500-750k range, ideally looking for 4-plexes; my new salary will be $110k (sadly stepping down from my currently salary of $150k - leaving the world of Investment Banking for greener pastures).

Given that I can live in any state/city, I feel compelled to focus my efforts on the best markets to house hack. Seeking help identifying a "Top 5" hit list of markets that a savvy house-hacker would look to if they were location agnostic.

Thanks in advance for any responses,

Gabe