Less than ideal first house hack. Next steps?

[Eric Samuels]

So I locked in my first house hack last September and it could have been much better. It's an old duplex (1875) in a decent B neighborhood. 1 bed 1 bath in one unit and a 2 bed + flex space (laundry/storage which could upgraded to full br). I got it for $391,500 on an FHA loan 5% down with an $8k credit. Mortgage is $2928. 1br unit can rent for $1200 after fixing a few things and the 2 br should rent for $1800. I appealed my taxes paid upon closing since the assessed value was $500k and it appraised for close to the purchase price. After appeal my monthly mortgage should drop $160/month but I have no idea when that will go through. There have also been a **** ton of expected and unexpected issues with the house so I really need to increase my reserve to further protect myself.

I still want to continue investing but my current funds are nowhere near where they need to be to consider using my own money to get into the second property. Was thinking of wholesaling to earn the capital to get into my second deal but am aware that takes a lot of time on top of the time i’m spending managing/improving the property and my full time job but I really want to put myself in a position to purchase another duplex next year or end of this year. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I should get into the next house hack?

[Austen Mueller]

Way to take the jump. Doesnt sound like a terrible deal. Keep grinding!! Soon the house will be fixed and you can start saving to get into your next househack. Keep up the good work.