My goal is to find a house hack with a reasonable commute into Manhattan.

Account ClosedI'm in agreement with Minh and Russell.For some reason, this forum has a number, if not the majority of people who live in high appreciating areas who want to invest in non-appreciating areas where they MAY likely to get some small cash flow.I'm sure those of us who have invested heavily in our Appreciating Markets are just killing it.Over a ten year period of buy and hold investing in Brooklyn, my Partners and I have made over $10 Million in unrealized profits from Appreciation and a LOT of cash flow (which is completely realized) due to rent appreciation.In my personal experience, those who don't buy their first home in an appreciating market are in danger of being priced out in the market they really wish to live in for the long term.I know a LOT of friends and relatives that are currently priced out but was not 10 years ago.I know of a specific investor who loved Manhattan and rented a really nice apt 20 years ago.

They are funded by a family that owns 32 residential and mixed use buildings in Manhattan. 60 Madison Avenue and 150 Great Neck Road are their offices.

I run the most qualified applicant (or group pf co-applicants) first based on a number of criteria. 

I work in Manhattan and house hack in NJ while the rest of my family is spread out along the East Coast.

Manhattan and Brooklyn retail and multifamily properties sell for this much on a regular basis.

With leverage you only need to raise 25% + few % for closing and fees in order to take down the property.I see you're located in NY, if you're ever in manhattan I am in an REI meetup in midtown that discusses Multifamily every week.

I have recently made my first investment in the area and will be a "house hacking" a unique property in Union City, NJ (2 detached single family homes (3br & 2br) on a single property that includes a dedicated parking spot in addition to a car port, out door space, and a bus stop to Manhattan on the corner) Any and all feed back regarding what I can expect for rent rolls, appreciation, development of the area, etc... would be greatly appreciated.Lastly, I would love to join any local meetup groups and more than happy to grab a coffee with investors in the area to network and see how we can help each other.Thanks,Wayne

@Vivian Pena Appreciation or Cash flow....One could argue a multi-million dollar property in Manhattan is the "best".

Or is your area so desirable that people will pay ludicrous amounts for literally any accomodation (think Manhattan, Bay Area, etc.)?