Staying local and house hacking—especially now, before kids—gives you so much flexibility to set yourselves up for long-term success.Your financial foundation is super strong, and house hacking a quad sounds like an amazing first step for you two.

Letting your contractors (specifically if you have a GC) what the budget is and that the must notify you if a change order exists (versus they tell you after the work is completed). 

Completely agree with Michael.

This sounds like a home run and a great first purchase!!

As easy as this sounds, it's not simple and usually like pulling teeth.

I completely agree with this.

Sounds like it could be a decent LTR situation, but you answered my concern on if a STR would really stay booked enough to justify a purchase.

But keep in mind that there might be some delays in getting payments started, particularly in the first month or two as inspections are completed and paperwork is processed.

Sounds fun. 

I agree completely.