First Property Help | Income Scenario | House Hack OR BRRRR

[Mark Alexander]

I need some guidance on my first investment property. Ideally, my goals to get started are long term holds with positive monthly cash-flow. I am currently renting and could see myself house-hacking a multi-family and rent the other units. With an FHA loan, 3.5% Down, I am able to use 75% of the rental income towards qualifying. My issue is, I am a student, graduating in May currently working in the mortgage industry. Since I am a commission based employee, I doubt my income will average enough to qualify. I could go with a hard-money/BRRRR route, but I can not project my income for next year to be able to safely determine refinancing into a conventional loan. I have saved up around 12k for down payment/closing costs. Please let me know your thoughts and advice for my first purchase.