Tips for a move from CA to UT with househacking plans?

[Andrew Alday]

Hello everyone,

I'm very new to real estate investing. My girlfriend and I currently live in CA, but we are looking to move to Utah in the Ogden or Salt Lake City area next summer. We have plans to purchase a duplex and rent out the other unit. I'm also a veteran and I have plans to use the VA Loan.

I'm going to be graduating in May 2022, so I really don't real have adequate income to show lenders at the moment. However, I do have an offer letter for a job to start in August 2022 with the salary that I will be making.

I'm not sure if I should be looking for properties to purchase, or if I should I start off by renting an apartment, and then look for properties once I'm already in the area.

I'd appreciate any input, tips, or feedback on where I should focus my efforts.

Thanks,

Andrew

[Forester Tesche]

I was In this same situation about half a year ago. I decided to purchase instead of rent and I am really happy with my decision as salt lake is seeing some great appreciation. Andy Jenkins is an agent from SLC and contributes a lot on BP. He helped me get into my first house hack and has extensive knowledge on the market. I would look him up and try and get into a house hack situation ASAP. Lots of finished and unfinished basement apartments out there that are great for house hacking in addition to duplexes! Hit me up when you get to SLC if you want to connect.