The agent will have access to the biggest platform to get the property sold though, the MLS, so forgoing even a cut rate agent will create more of a loss than the agent fees themselves. 

The only way to answer that in general (whether house hacking in today's market is still a good option) or for a particular property, is to learn how to run the numbers and analyze a specific property to see whether it will be able to stand on its own as an investment when you move out someday.There are a lot of resources here on BP for doing that but I'd just say, make sure the assumptions you're putting into your spreadsheet or deal analyzer are realistic.Make sure the rents (especially for vacant units or pro-forma #s) are realistic by doing your own rent comps; make sure the mortgage rate is realistic by doing some research online and/or talking to some mortgage folks; make sure insurance #s are realistic by getting a couple of quotes for the # of units and zip code / area you're looking in; etc.I hope that helps, and good luck 😊

If you are interested, I can share access and any feedback are both welcome and appreciated :)

I think these bigger cabins are getting sucked up by the normal demand and with the lack of new builds coming online. 

We have a unicorn product that most lenders don’t have access to and gives us this pricing ability.

In many states, approved sales contracts are available for free online (you'll have to learn how to fill them out or pay a lawyer to do it, recommended to at least have a lawyer review).

Hi Lily,I founded First Access Lending to provide Access in scenarios just like this!

You may have to sell the whole property to access the funds in the IRA or 401k when you retire and for required minimum distributions. 

Are there any good resources online to be able to get an idea of average monthly/yearly expenses like utilities, etc. for a given zip or city?

Alternatively, there are high-yield online savings accounts like Marcus or others - the difference is that banks have some inherent risk, thus the FDIC insurance.