I've owned on the order of 7-10 houses as I've traveled CA-OR-AZ-NM for work and only 1 or 2 am I glad I sold. The rest fall into the shoulda-kept it as a rental bucket. I recommend starting small so that you don't have the weight of a mortgage eating your cash flow. Small condos are nearly always rentable, but not house hackable. Condos can come with special assessments if the HOA is not well managed - nastly little $2K to $4K surprise. With a small starter you can add an ADU / granny flat and so house hack. I'm not a fan of renting a room inside since I like my own space. Duplex or fourplex can be an option. Have patience when looking. Once in a lifetime deals come by about once a month when you are looking. Look at enough properties of your type and in your area such that you can spot a deal from a mile away. Build a referral network of great real estate agents so that you are not in a bidding war and paying over market. Don't let the first deal crush you. You are guaranteed to get some bumps and bruises on your first one, though, it's the price of education. Good luck and remember this moment before you jumped into the pool - you'll look back and smile at how little you knew but you jumped in anyway and are better than most for having done so.
