Either way its good to buy end of year as most builders and sellers are offering seller credits or builder credits to use towards closing costs or to buy a rate down to help get a lower payment.Even if you wanted to buy a strater home like a 2-4 unit as a primary again you only need to put 5% down. 

From a credit perspective, house hacking also helps you build strong cash flow, which can make it easier to secure financing for future deals.Additionally, if you're targeting high-appreciation markets, you could also look into cash-out refinancing down the line to pull equity and fund additional investments.

. --- We haven't seen a S8 inspection report in over a decade that required a tenant to fix damages they obviously caused.

And STRs really help because you don't have the large dings that long term rentals have - i.e tenants damaging the property to where you have huge make ready costs (the str insurance covers that), no collections or evictions issues. 

This often means a smaller down payment and lower monthly payments compared to a traditional bank loan, especially since the seller may not be tied to the high interest rates banks are offering.Another option is a land loan from a local credit union or bank.

I often look at them and think if they can do it, probably I can have some level of success too.Other key info I may have left out above:1) I am not in the US, and have no plans to visit or move there2) I am not a US citizen, but possibly have a credit history there (maybe none) since I attended university there many many years ago3) I am completely new to real estate - I've been reading crazily and consuming lots of content.

@Otis Clayton You say "I am at the point that I want a partner with some cash and credit to refi the deals I get from marketing and talking to sellers"Based on that you are looking for someone who has cash and credit, wants to invest/benefit from real estate but does not have time to find deals.Look for someone like that, be clear on their role and your role.

Potential buyers (good credit, income, and savings) holding off because of high interest rates.

By the way, credit card expenses count when charged, not when the credit card bill is paid.Buy more stuff.

Quote from @Brett Jurgens: @Jay HurstThanks for responding3.75%, 30yr fixedLike others have said, with that interest rate your best bet is probably to do a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to put towards an investment that you can quickly recoup your initial investment on.