Stretch Budget or Keep Money in Reserves

[Derek DeLong]

Hello BiggerPockets, first post here.  I've been listening to the podcasts for almost a year now.  

As I just moved to the Knoxville location, I am looking to buy a house hack.  Is it better to buy in the best neighborhood and stretch your budget for appreciation? Or should I buy in a B class neighborhood with reserves and fix the property up (paint/flooring/force appreciation) I will be using the house hacking strategy 3.5%- 10% down. Knoxville TN. 24 years old. 

If you are familiar with the area I am looking at Maryville and Farragut.  Would love to hear your thoughts.  I know there not a ton of building going on in Farragut as space is limited and not too many more homes can be built.  Whereas Maryville, there is a lot of room for development and a new amazon warehouse is going up and soon to be completed and the city continues to grow.

I just moved to Knoxville and looking to connect with like-minded people that love real estate.  All feedback would be greatly appreciated.