Me and my girlfriend are currently saving to purchase a home within the next year or so to start house hacking, my concern is how signing the lease option to purchase contract will affect our eligibility for first time home buyer programs? 

My basic assumption is I would be trading a certain level of cash flow for increased appreciation over a period of 10 years.

I recall reading in Forbes that major foundation fixes can add surprising value, becuase it addresses the single biggest fear buyers have.. a shaky structure.From my three decades in fix-and-flips, Ive noticed how important it is to have a team you trust.. from attorneys who know probate deals to realtors willing to drive for dollars with you, scouting hidden gems.

They aren't because 99% of the home buyers and sellers need an agent to avoid costly mistakes. 

It will familiarize you with the basic terminology and benefits of investing.

Personally, I'd prefer dollar-tree ones (if basic, uncluttered look) over none in the room (bedroom, whatever) because I want to encourage trash being put away.

There are many great advantages to being a buyer or seller. 

So get the lay of the land but always rely on a local market expert to help guide you.First let’s get a basic handle on the Kansas City metropolitan area.

.* FHA loans require both parties to owner occupy for 1 year* A 203k loan is not a first time buyer program, you can own a home and still use the program as long as you live there* The loan must be made to a person, not an entity. 

First, I'd suggest getting familiar with the basics of real estate investing—property types, financing, and market analysis.