Louisville KY House Hack Advice

[Isaac Pyle]

Hello BP!

Not making this a starting out post since I already "Started Out" a few years ago, but now that I'm in a better spot financially I'm back here and looking to purchase a house hack in the near future and would love some advice from local investors.

I am new to the Louisville area (moved here so my partner could go to medical school) and as such I am trying to identify what areas make sense for a house hack. Ideally I would find a duplex or triplex, but for the most part, any multi families within a decent commute to downtown seem to be in either Old Louisville or the Portland / Russell area. Curious if you were in my position trying to get started with a house hack, where would you be looking?

My rough plan is to try and find something that works with an FHA 203k loan, preferably mostly cosmetic work as I want have more experience with rehabs before diving into a major project (probably a pretty generic / popular formula, which I expect is why I don't see many options that fit these criteria). I also feel like the Smoketown / Germantown areas would be great but don't seem to have many multi family properties. Thoughts?

I have already spoken loosely with a lender and an agent, but if you have recommendations for either of those in the area I would love to know too. Thank you!!