Quote from @James Kiny: We are a welcoming group of investors -seasoned and prospective - looking to share ideas, talk over problems and celebrate successes of our group members.

Is it still possible to snag a reasonably successful house hack in these areas?

I think we would do much better by asking each other how we find success in our individual styles of investing rather than thinking one way is the "right way" when it comes to real estate investing. 

When tenants aren’t able to achieve long-term success, they’re more likely to move out in search of a more favorable location. 

Obviously, the rules will differ from state to state.The most successful buyers have trusted bidders with cashier’s checks in multiple denominations (for cash sales) and the actual buyers have field runners and people to monitor multiple prospective properties at a given time and check sales status for postponements due to BK, etc.This is the case in larger metro markets where many properties could go to sale but few do so.There are often better ways to acquire properties then auctions.

I have had some very successful rentals that I bought in the financial crisis, and they were NOT kicking off 40% annualized returns.  

The point most are trying to make and the advice given is directed toward successful investing.

Cheering for your success!

So, good for you on that, I think that's the best path to success in a field that is generally frowned upon.

I've seen some folks buy storage deals at valautions that are going to make success tough for them.