if you buy a random property 3000 miles away and have to hire out everything and overpay for everything you won't.

Remain calm and professional through the process.

Good luck- shoot me an IM if you'd like more info on my process..a little bit of background research and some phone calls can make your sq' price swing back a lot. 

I am house hacking my unit and is there any difference in those processes as opposed to a regular rental property?

In my devious mind, I thinking like you that I hire a parking attendant, install gates and charge an entrance fee if I bought it. 

Quote from @Franky Na: Hi All,I am in the process of purchasing my first investment property in Texas.

If this is what concerns you hire a buyer's agent because you are focused on the wrong things altogether.

I just recently got hired for DSNY (New York city department of sanitation) my base pay is 43,000 with alot of overtime opportunities so I do not see myself making any less than 60,000 for my first year.

-repeat the process every year by acquiring one house every year with the appropriate income qualification

Also in the process of understanding what investors are looking for as far as a deal that makes sense.