@Shawn Stone I am sorry to hear about your experience!

This is why the househack is a perfect stepping stone. 

Some common ones that come to mind in addition to a hot tub are a cedar sauna (gotta lean into that Minnesota sauna culture - check out Cedar and Stone out of Duluth for some really cool sauna ideas), snow shoes or cross country skis, or even just a nice outdoor firepit area with tons of firewood (you could also include complementary s'mores supplies for every reservation).  

I don't think its necessarily cut in stone, especially since they aren't conforming loans so its basically unregulated. 

(and I have full time job so time is limited)Here’s a breakdown of my investment plan–I would greatly appreciate any guidance and recommendations on making this (or some version of this) happen.PropertyLocationAttributesB-level areas (A-D scale)Safe enough for my girlfriend to feel generally safe walking alone in the eveningWalkable neighborhood / close to transit (car ownership not necessary to live there)Area(s) of interest (not set in stone)Jersey City areaConditionB or C-level (A-D scale)Semi-distressed with potential for minor rehab upgrades ($35k max)DealbreakersFoundational issues / big required rehab due to FHA 203(k) max for streamlined versionSize2-4 units (higher the better)2-4br per unit preferredMax Budget (FHA loan limits)NYCSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,089,300 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,394,775 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,685,850 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,095,200 + 3.5%Hudson County, NJSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,149,825 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,472,250 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,779,525 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,211,600 + 3.5%TimelineTitle in-hand latest: Jan-Feb 2025Can potentially buy earlier if I sublet my current apartment in NYC as needed (lease expires Mar 1, 2023)Rehab: 30-45 days max of minor rehab/renoMove-in: on or before Mar 1, 2025 (hard deadline)FinancingLoan type: FHA or FHA Streamlined 203(k) for rehab <=$35kPossible conventional loan if I seek investment from family/friendsApproval statusGoal is to get pre-approved now in advance for credibilityMy statsEmployment: Full-time at large bankIncome: low-mid 6 figuresAssets: low-mid 6 figures (including 401(k))Credit score: 800DTI: 2.5% (student loan)Thank you in advance for your support.

Keeping in mind it's not forever and it's a stepping stone to building wealth.

You will have to do a little more research, dig a little deeper and turn a few more stones. 

Landlord needs to make repairs to pass inspection to re-rent and can't get blood from a stone so landlord opens their checkbook and pays.

Have you considered hitting them with a Stone Cold Stunner?

Long-Term Wealth Creation:Owning a duplex can be a stepping stone toward a more extensive real estate portfolio.