Bay Area Noobie REI: Is San Jose just too expensive for me?

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Hello All,

I am a young investor saving up for my first multifamily investment in San Jose, CA (or the south bay area). I hope to finance with an FHA loan and live in one of the units.

At first I wanted to invest in a duplex (in about 2-3 years), but the prices are so high that the rent will not even cover the estimated mortgage.

My next strategy is to house hack a four-plex to cover the expenses and have some cash flow but that would mean waiting 7-8 years to save up for the down payment.

With that being said:

- Is it worth it to buy a duplex and rent out both units while I am still renting myself to break even / gain some positive cash flow?

- If I were to continue to try to house hack a duplex, would it be okay to be a little in the red because it is still cheaper than renting an apartment in the Bay area?

- Or is saving up for the four-plex an all around better investment?

Any wisdom would be grateful!