Jumping in - Looking for Duplex in NYC

[Kristin Schamber]

Hello! 

I am SO excited to buy my first home. I'm hoping to house-hack in NYC somewhere, where we are moving soon, with a duplex or triplex. Once I begin my job in NY, I will be able to save $100k per year for a down payment. Right now we have $70k saved for our first home. 

A couple of questions:

1. How do I get on listing-emails to hear about duplexes or triplexes before they hit the market? 

2. Does anyone use a Freddie Mac loan? I'm told that the benefit, is, with 5% down you dont need to pay PMI (as opposed to FHA loan with 3.5%)

3. I feel so overwhelmed - my brain hurts after reading these forums because I am learning so much. What books do you recommend for beginners? I've read Rich Dad, Poor Dad (which brought me here), Cash Flow Quadrant, and Set for Life. 

Thanks all!

KS