It is currently my primary residence and was a great house hack but I’m now considering moving out to live with my girlfriend nearby in her condo.

Our first purchases were ones that we lived in and added value while we learned.  

I currently live in San Diego, Ca. but have been looking in the midwest, mainly Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, for properties. 

After living in the property for a full year, we have come to terms and accepted that this is not our ideal location.

I was able to check an old listing and it showed it as being 2 units instead of 3 and one bedroom/bathroom less than what they are claiming.Tomorrow I plan on having my pretty wife knock on a couple doors, hopefully she can talk to someone living there so we don't get something substantially different.

Nicholas, if you're look at the Ohio market you should definitely be giving Detroit a look as well.I live in CA and invest in Detroit.

Although I still think conventional is the better option, I wouldn't put 20% down if I didn't have to, unless you know you'll live in/own the house long enough to recoup that additional $. 

Thing is, you need to understand it's going to a difficult way to earn a living.

If you live there and are currently renting, then there still is a pathway to house hack say a duplex and better your situation.  

I own a single family home in Socal that my wife and i currently living in.