HARD MONEY for a Multi-family house hack

[Laura Dantel]

I know it's Christmas Day, but my mind is still focused on my first property 24/7 =)

I have a pre-approval for a 203k loan ($425k), I have a licensed contractor, I know some wholesalers, and I have a down payment; but I am having a HARD time finding a DEAL in the Philadelphia area. I keep getting outbid by cash buyers =(.  I know hard money lenders do not lend on single family primary residences but what if it is a duplex and I am living in one unit and renting out the other as an investment? Is that still considered a primary residence? Any advice?

I am racking my brain on trying to find ways to get an off market deal!