If so, I would love to hear what worked for you and what did not.   

I am starting my first househacking deal this year and I will Segway that into my second deal by end of 2025.I would love to hear all you experts and pros with experience to tell your story.

These guys tend to be 1 man shows, and are generally drowning in work and would love someone to pour into. 

@Melissa Conner - I'd love to reconnect.  

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

Would love to pick your brain a bit if you are open to it!

I've been "Retired" for 7 years since 55 and have loved every day, seven days a week doing Self Storage. 

Would love cash flow, of course, but if I could at least break even on a highly appreciating property, I'd be happy with that. 

They found a community they believed in and a lovely house that could pay for itself with the rent income.

Yes, this is "tough love", but you won't survive in this business if you let it affect you:)