House hacking is such a smart way to get started, and your focus on value-add opportunities will set you up for success.

Your realtor will be able to give you a much more detailed market specific answer but with house hacking and a VA loan it should be possible to get 0 out of pocket.

Consider house hacking when rates and prices are a little more balanced with reality.

I noticed you are interested in house hacking. 

What scares you?

Quote from @Simone Montague-Jackson: You can house hack with up to four units.

Any general advice is much appreciated.You should house hack to start.

I appreciate the encouragement—I'm excited to learn from and connect with investors in this community.Right now, I’m primarily focused on house hacking in the LA market, but I’m open to exploring out-of-state opportunities later in my career.

From my experience working with over 400 investors, I’d recommend starting with house hacking—ideally a fourplex if you find a good deal, but a duplex works too.

What area are you investing in?