Another option is to use a rehab-only loan from a HML while going with seller financing for the purchase.

They provide flexibility and efficiency, especially for experienced investors.How have you found the terms and structure compared to traditional options?

Memphis was an option on our list before we decided to try Midwest first.

If you sold it, what would you do with the money and how does the return compare to what you get now (factoring in the amount of work/stress with each option)?

Have you identified a property yet, or are you still exploring options?

Hi @Leonard La Rocca III welcome to BPWith a goal to house hack your option will be much better and tremendously more favorable.1. $50k gets you the house but leaves you very little room for value add. 

Or you can try and lease option it, but be sure to mentor your tenant all the way to get pre-approved, otherwise you have an 80% chnace they won't be able to buy it. 

Also, when they said they have "network" to find investers/property owner to land my offers, and "system" to calculate profits in order to show whoever owns the property short term rental is the more profitable option.

The more you have saved, the more options you'll have.The road won't be easy, but it will be rewarding in the long term.

You can always do it with your own IRAs, however your employer's 401(k) may or may not have such an option.