I'd say just start your search with all 2-4 unit properties, and when you find one where the numbers make sense and it checks your other boxes (somewhere you actually want to live and house hack), then it probably makes sense. 

There are aggressive lenders out there with lower fees for experienced flippers.  

I currently live in the Bay Area, but I’ve decided to start investing in the Jackson County/MO area.

Payments stay lower, cashflow better and it'll boost your balance sheet not to mention lower risk when things go awry. 

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Right now they are "high" (compared to 2020) and people "think" they are going lower. 

I'm looking to make smart decisions for 2025, and this seems like a great place to start.

Using a HELOC can provide you with the necessary capital at a lower interest rate to fund your next projects without leaning too heavily on hard money lenders, which can eat into your profits.Here are a some actors that you would want to consider:1.

I would recommend considering conventional financing until you reach Fannie Mae's limit of 10 properties, then consider either a portfolio loan, and start your race to 10 again, or look at DSCR at that time. 

The lower unit is a basement/guest suite.