Where to Start House-Hacking in Westchester (or Nearby) County

[Evan Thomas]

Hey Everyone,

I'm currently renting in NYC and working in eastern White Plains, NY at PepsiCo. When my lease is up in July 2017 I'd like to buy a multi-family house and house-hack my way to more real estate investing and cheaper living. I'm having a pretty hard time narrowing down which areas to look at in the Westchester area. I welcome all pointers and discussions on locations including: Yonkers, Hudson-on Hastings, anywhere along the Hudson Metro North Line (Tuckahoe, Scarsdale, etc.), White Plains, Valhalla, and even Connecticut. 

There are so many options, and I'm really not sure where to even start. The biggest trade-offs I've noticed so far are:

1. Distance to Metro North rail line or highway
2. Higher house price vs. higher taxes
3. Reasonable prices in bad neighborhoods vs exorbitant prices in B+ and up neighborhoods

I'd like to start driving (biking) for dollars and potentially find a deal, but if anyone could help me narrow down the geography to a more defined area I would be very grateful. 

Thank you very much.

[Ceasar Rosas]

@Evan Thomas

Taxes in Westchester County can make it hard for properties to cash flow. As Eric pointed out Rockland may be a good option. I would add that the absolute 1st thing you should be doing if you haven't done yet is get pre-approved for a loan. Unless you are buying cash. Understanding what you can afford can determine what areas you will be able to focus on. White Plains can be great, but a bit pricey. Scarsdale even pricier. Yonkers is more affordable, but desirable locations will cost you in taxes. Another note: it's easy to have access to the MLS. I sign up people all the time with automatic emails. But what many don't realize is that Realtor.com is directly linked to all MLS's in real time. As Realtors list properties they get uploaded to Realtor.com. when they go into contract or get sold they are removed. It is the closest access to the MLS besides a direct link from a Realtor. You don't have to become a Realtor to get access, unless you want to get involved in the business and want to maintain a license. Much success to you.