For example, the first property that brought me to MGM is in Regency Park (I overpaid for property and overpaid for rehab) but I'm cash flowing nicely and property values have gone up.

Hey @Henry Lazerow - I would tend to agree that most of the NW side of Chicago 2-4 units don't play out perfectly well for BRRRR deals.I always looked at any potential house hack vs. having to rent - if my overall payments were less than the rent I generally considered that a win.For me...the house hack is just the ticket into the amusement park and then the fun rides come after...getting started can be overwhelming and hard so I can see why people might take a discount.I think one of the keys to strong equity creation is square footage creation which is basically what you outlined with duplexing up or down.

Or you can add parking.

So, I asked if they could wait as I'd parked in the garage and I'd run and grab it as I was sure it must be in the center console or on the seat or something and run right back.

I came here in early 2022 and bought my first duplex in Forest Park, IL and was able to effectively house hack.

IE - pet rent, parking fee, utility reimbursement fee, storage fees, etc.

But also, these tenants might inhibit your ability to push rents on the other units, since tenant junk on balconies, or broken down cars in parking lots, etc just paint a bad vibe for the whole property.If it is a "marginal" tenant, I would give them an aggressive increase.  

I pass by this house everyday and I know there was someone living there by the car parked outside.

Since it has the highest count of sold small multifamily properties, here are House Hacker's top 10 Queens neighborhoods:Jamaica: 102 dealsFlushing: 71 dealsGlendale: 41 dealsAstoria: 34 dealsEast Elmhurst: 32 dealsBayside: 29 dealsCollege Point & Corona: 27 deals, respectivelyWoodhaven: 25 dealsWoodside: 24 deals* Just missing the top 10: Far Rockaways: 23 deals - Maspeth, Ozone Park & Ridgewood: 22 deals, respectivelyHow optimistic are New York sellers?

However, the property in question is in a pretty good location: adjacent to a garden run by the city council, less than a block from a brand new park, and kiddie corner to a church/Catholic school.