Househack properties in 2024 sold 1-2 weeks faster than they did in 2023.Deals are tougher to negotiate as well. 2 of NYC's surrounding Counties (Westchester & Suffolk) are averaging above asking price sales on 2-4 family properties. 

Once she receives a voucher, you’ll need to register as a Section 8 landlord and have the property inspected to meet HUD standards, which can take 30–60 days.If you want to move forward with rehab quickly, a cash-for-keys arrangement might be faster.

They beat my existing premium by over 30% without sacrificing coverage (I did choose a slightly higher deductible though to get some extra savings here).

This is how I see it:Single-Family Homes:Pros:Larger pool of potential tenants (families).Simpler management (one tenant, one lease).Often easier to finance.May appreciate faster in some markets.Cons:Only one income stream.Vacancy hits harder financially.Duplexes:Pros:Two potential income streams.Live in one unit and rent the other (house hacking!)

Income should be at least 3 times as well, otherwise they'll most likely move out when you up the rent (I made this mistake once).

I am thinking the Pros of the HELOC/HEL are a faster closing, perhaps a cash discount for the purchase, no PMI, lower rate/cheaper closing?

They worked exactly how your retirement accounts are supposed to work but 3 x faster. 

You can't beat the price, either, or the interest rate on deposits.

Yes, we might end up doing it faster but I want to underwrite it with a longer timeline since this is our first one just to be safe and we would likely try to do some of the work ourselves to save on some demo and reno costs. 

Lee County for both but I’d imagine it’s gotta move faster.