Where I’m at, if you list on Zillow, and you are priced right, you should be flooded with applicants for an affordable property… but the ‘flood’ decreases as your price point moves up.  

If so you should have a somewhat good understanding of what neighborhoods do and don’t have potential, start with the best neighborhood you can afford find the worst property in that neighborhood, that way you know you’re buying in a place where the economy is at least relatively stable and appreciation will be more likely!

I am an attorney for affordable housing developments throughout the country.

Occupancy has remained strong and PadSplit is hitting new booking records regularly.Here are some articles to review in the meantime:1. https://www.padsplit.com/host-resources/news/how-affordable-...2. https://www.padsplit.com/host-resources/news/why-padsplit-is...

I can afford taking a loss on it in the short term, but am looking to refinance the property in the next 5 years when interest come down, however im at 5% rn so i would have to get closer to 3% for the cash flow to be better.

To all aspiring house hackers and those aiming for a single-family primary to hold it as a long-term rental, what are your biggest frustrations likely keeping you from jumping in the game? 

@Anthony ZottoThe election's impact on small multifamily real estate will depend on the balance between policies supporting housing affordability and broader economic changes affecting investor costs.

Since we did $0 we are assuming risk of the loan amount, but can afford to take a small cash flow margin while someone else pays our principle down.We are working toward A similar plan as you as I plan to retire from the Navy at 42-45 years old in 7-10 years.

@Mad Dendukuri easy solution - tell the tenant you can't afford to do flooring AND put them up somewhere, so deal is off.Either they will be reasonable or show themselves to be greedy and someone you should get rid of.

You'll need to know the loan amount and purchase price you can afford.