New investor in Grand Rapids

[Drake Baar]

Hello! I'm a GR native and recent GVSU grad looking to house hack my first deal this year. I've been listening to the BP podcasts, reading books, and meeting local agents, lenders, and investors for a few months now, trying to absorb as much as possible while I work on establishing credit. My goal is to close by May, when my current lease is up, on a single family or smaller multifamily. Ideally I'd want to buy relatively close to downtown, since I currently work full-time at an investment company down there, and I really like the John Ball/Swan, Belknap, Creston Heights, Fulton Heights, and Eastown neighborhoods.  Any tips for starting out, leads on properties, or thoughts/ideas on the local market would be greatly appreciated, thanks!