I'm working on building my down payment including repairs fund and have a good credit score above 750.I’m interested in buying a property near Kansas City, in markets like Topeka or Springfield, IL, but I’m open to other cities in the Midwest.

Yeah, I've been using it a ton since my original post, highly recommend!

Use this rating and classification system I have created over time to get an idea of the "Class" for the area - A class B class & so onHere is my rating & classification for each livability score.80 and above A+78/79 A76/77 A-74/75 B+72/73 B70/71 B-68/69 C+66/67 C64/65 C-60/63 D59 and below F

You'll be so busy working that you won't spend as much, which increases savings.Talk to a bank and learn how to increase your credit score. 630 is not good. 

Even once you get the mortgage current, your credit may still show the delinquent payments, so it could take some time before your credit seasons to a better score.

The key occupancy requirement for FHA loans is at the time of the original purchase—usually requiring you to live in the home for at least a year.If you've met the initial FHA loan requirement of living in the property for 12 months (which you would have by November 2024), you're typically free to move out and house-hack again, even if you choose the FHA streamline option If your goal is to acquire another property in Q1 2025, refinancing via FHA streamline shouldn’t prevent that.

You don’t have to be as strict as a traditional lender, but it’s wise to check their credit score, employment history, and income stability.Flexible Terms for Stronger Buyers: If a buyer has a strong credit history and steady income, you could offer better terms (lower interest, smaller down payment, longer balloon).Tighter Terms for Riskier Buyers: For buyers with weaker credit, you might require a higher down payment, a higher interest rate, and/or a shorter balloon period.6.

Hi @Kent FordAs you look for your property here is a good website that can be a good point of reference Areavibes.com it gives you a total LIVABILITY score.  

Originally posted by @Shawn McMahon:I am not an agent so I don't have immediate access to the MLS.

Originally posted by @Joel O'Leary:@Sovat C.