Financing a primary residence...Please help!

[Aaron L.]

Hello all-

I'm ready to purchase my 1st 4-plex and live in 1 of the units. I've been looking forward to "house-hacking", and I'm excited about acquiring this first investment for only 3.5-5% down payment.

However, just as I was about to put in an offer on a 4-plex, I found an off-market deal consisting of 3 duplexes that I might be able to buy for less that 80% of ARV. They will cashflow about $1000/mo and I should gain about $70k+ in instant equity.

I'm new to this stuff so I need your insight. If I move forward with the purchase of these 3 duplexes, will I be shooting myself in the foot with regards to "house-hacking" a 4-plex afterwards? Will a bank give me a 3.5% or 5% dp loan for a multi-family primary residence if I own these other properties? I really want a 4-plex as a primary residence because it will enable me to basically live for free. Should I pass on the duplexes and do the house-hack first? I currently don't own any real estate at all.

Thanks for the help!

[Thomas S.]

"Should I pass on the duplexes and do the house-hack first?"

Yes, if it's really what you want to do. Deals are a dime a dozen, there will always be more tomorrow.