The house will need a new fence soon, so I'll have to factor that into the scenario.I'm not sure which choice is the best option for me.

Fixing up a property and turning it into student housing is a smart move—steady demand and solid rental income.Great job!

My first choice would be a duplex but I'm also looking into single family.

I had little choice since I was financing out of a construction loan that had little time before a ballon.

It might be worth talking to a lawyer but not sure if it's small claims or worth it.Also, you might already have all of these things but for future prevention:- smart thermostat (so you receive alerts when the inside temperature dips below whatever preset you have)- Minut (or similar device) would also alert you to the inside (and outside) temperatures; for example, I have 2 devices inside the house and outside on the hot tub deck.

It's always a personal choice everyone has a different perspective.   

Is one a clear choice and I am having trouble seeing it?

With your income and the option to use an FHA loan, buying a home could be a smart move, especially if you plan to rent it out later.

House Hacking Strategy: Living in one unit while renting out the other(s) is a smart way to offset your mortgage.

If it's not feasible due to circumstances I suppose I'll have to adjust my situation (find weekend job, move back to NJ with parents, move to a different state with, etc.)All responses are appreciated, and I am absolutely open to chatting on the phone by the way.My view on house hacking is it can be a great tool to buy a house you could not  otherwise afford, but it shouldn’t be a goal in it of itself if that makes sense and that’s not to discourage you from investing just there are alternatives such as the stock market. so I’d start by asking where you want to live, do you want to own a single family home or does it make more sense to rent in a more interesting neighborhood like Arlington, Alexandria, that’s gonna be a personal choice, Will your monthly payment actually be less than renting/how many people do you need to get in the house to afford that?