Many lessons have been learned firstly is you can’t be too nice or trusting and second is, don’t wait to figure out the refinance and cash out process and until you are almost done with rehabbing the property because currently going through a very lengthy, cash out refinance ordeal at the moment as I’m trying to get financing terms finalized as we speak.

     * House is a 2699 sq/ft Single Family Residence| 3 beds, 3 bathroom | Built in 1956 | NO HOA     * There is a chance I could pay only interests so I can start saving some cash for the incoming maintenance and annual payment equivalent to the 12 monthly payments (~$5,029.77 per year during the balloon period)The advantages I can identify in this deal for me are:* Lower interest compared with traditional loans* Lower down payment compared with the ones compared for traditional loans* House is technically ready to be rented (waiting for the inspection) * Forecast - 3 yr growth (appreciation) is expected to be 8.1 % (Bigger Pockets)The disadvantages I can identify: * I am still vulnerable to foreclosure if sellers don't make mortgage payments to the bank.* Refinancing issues at the end of the Balloon Payment?

As others mentioned, you're going to have a very hard time getting a loan when you're currently in default on any kind of mortgage, HML or otherwise.

So my question is: should I wait until my lease is over and then buy a multi family that I can house hack or should I buy a smaller investment property in another town now and then get a heloc when my lease is over for a house I can live in?

That's actually a great aspect of real estate, if things don't go as planned, wait it out!

Love seeing good things happening in a neighboring city.Curious, you mention converting this to apartments?

A couple other neighborhoods I like besides the two you mentioned are Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore.I think that area will continue to be gentrified because you have the lakefront as well as CTA trains.Is there any reason you are targeting Chicago instead ofdoubling down in Kansas City?

Would be happy to meet up and discuss your goals in more detail.Glad you said it, I didn't want to come off as being negative@Jackson Harris  the Phoenix area may not be for you with that kind of money yet for all the reasons Scott mentioned. 

As others have mentioned, you may need to have some patience and see where it goes.  

This is big as you mention.