It takes time but worth it.How do you plan to finance your first property—are you looking at traditional loans, or have you considered other options like house hacking?

I recall reading about it in CNBC...The quest for solid returns in our current market might feel daunting with interest rates where they are, but the good news is.. if you find the right deal and set clear criteria.. like a minimum cash flow target, or a plan for eventual refinancing.. your numbers can still work out.

What’s the plan for your new rental?

It's an 860sf unit, so it would be right around the $2.00/sf mark as a LTR, if not a bit higher.I inherited an existing long-term tenant in the first floor apartment, so that unit isn't in nearly as good shape as the fully renovated upstairs unit. 

Since you’re looking for a house hack, just plan on managing it yourself for now.

But it's a 3/2 and I think I could rent it for $1000-1200, has a lot of NEW things already in it (AC/heating, kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring) but bedrooms need to be finished remodeling. 

You may wish to think about it as an investment and you may plan for it to be an investment in the future, but until it is an investment it ISN'T an investment property. 3.

From there, it requires the ability to conduct underwriting the highest and best use of a planned project, which requires a pro forma built by the user or acquired from a competent 3rd party. 

Building back utilities can increase your income, but it requires careful planning and execution."

Starting locally with multifamily and house flipping is a solid plan.