To get started, consider focusing on house hacking in California with properties like duplexes or single-family homes with ADUs, or explore out-of-state rentals in landlord-friendly markets like Ohio or Georgia.

Detroit has a mix of affordability and strong rental demand, with properties under $200k that can cash flow if approached correctly.

., "I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.

With a budget of $300K-$400K, you could potentially find single-family homes or small multi-units in those areas.I'd recommend researching rental demand near universities like Duke or NC State or even checking out neighborhoods with strong job growth near tech hubs.

., "I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.

Quote from @Anthony Maffei: I purchased a two-family property in 2017 and now have around $500K in positive equity.

They have strong financial stability, excellent credit, and are experienced homeowners.

My advice: don’t overthink it—your first house hack is about learning, so pick a strong rental market, ensure solid demand, and lock in a deal that gets you close to break-even or better.

@Mitch ProvostFrom my experience of working with over 400 investors, your property near Texas A&M in College Station/Bryan has strong investment potential due to the consistent demand for student housing driven by steady enrollment growth.

I think the area is short on larger (4-5 Bedroom) homes that can really accomodate a whole family.