Looking for my first-ever deal and I found a potential fixer-upper.

Los Angeles market for house hacking.Is it generally better to buy a duplex for house hacking in a better area, for example, Silver Lake, but pay a bigger down payment(20%-25%) for a move in ready home or buy a fixer upper duplex in West Adams and pay minimum downpayment 3.5-5% and spend the rest on renovation to gain forced appreciation.

I know it's a long shot but thought I would ask.Logically, since I was down about 90% anyway during this crypto winter my mind is saying double down because I got nothing to loose (What's another hit going to do).My heart is saying "put your tail between your legs and strut off home" hahaThanks  

I think you equally partially answered that question, telling the difficulties you are facing with STR regulations.this is my prescription and what I have decided to do .consider HELOC your current property, use the money to 1- add some value to your current home if room provide ( not to exceed X $ amount) you can then rent out the extra created meat to help pay HELOC2- Use the balance of HELOC to purchase another home in an appreciating market and if possible one that allows STR. use cash flow from new property still towards HELOC and just allow second home appreciate OR if you can fine a fixer upper to do BRRRR tat will even be better.that is what I have resolved to to. you can get back to me at 301-256-1578 so we can continue to brainstorm.little cent

At least one forum member has retired on just a few upper scale single family homes.

Set filters for: as-is, fixer upper, 203k, handyman, motivated, negotiable, TLC, cash, etc.

They compare all college grads to all non-college grads, which would include the poorest of the poor, the inner-city and Appalachian kids who have nothing vs middle and upper middle class kids.

I am looking for a private lender to finance my rehab on an already owned, gutted property in a desirable neighborhood of the city (Upper Lawrenceville): demo complete, structural engineer sign-off, architect-approved design to move the stairs (which is not a small deal in Pittsburgh), and city permit.

Does he have a leg to stand on? 

That may give you a leg up if you are a cash buyer or using irregular financing.