Renting while owning?

[Djuan Snowden]

I really want to house hack a multi family but I am learning there aren't many in my area. Would it make sense to continue renting where I am while purchasing an investment property in the part of town where more multi families are sold? My thinking is that theres not much being gained if Im profiting only a few hundred bucks (if that) a month after PITI if Im still paying over $1,000 in rent where I live. Would it be more beneficial to try another strategy like a live in flip on a single family home BRRRR style? Any and all advice and input will be greatly appreciated.