@Madison SloanTo start house hacking, focus on saving for your down payment, researching target markets like Salt Lake City or North Idaho, and building a strong team of professionals, including an agent and lender.

So you want to be a landlord/investor focused agent huh?

I am a current college student and gained interest in real estate as I am working on a project focused on finding ways to expand opportunities for real estate investors.

from my advice rural properties and developments aren't successful and you are climbing an uphill battle. sounds a little niche. we focus on developing and not reinventing the wheel. if this is truly what you want to focus all your time and energy on then visit the closest 5-10 of these that look like the ones you are interested and ask if they'd expand or build a secondary one. do a lot of research before you just take action 

We are focused on families and want to sleep 10 or more.

Focus on building cash flow and equity while targeting value-add opportunities to transition into shopping centers and strip malls over time.Good luck!

Should I focus on fixing it up and renting it out?

In the meantime, just focus on filing the vacany of the first property you bought and get familiar with what it's like to own a rental property first.  

I would focus on homes with dysfunctional floor plans.

With just three properties, do you think it’s worth hiring a CPA or tax specialist who focuses on real estate?