Likely you will need a few properties worth a few hundred thousand minimum -  how much out of pocket? 

Assuming the property is worth much more than they paid for it don’t let them give it to you.

I own 4 two/three flats bought between 2013 and 2020 in Forest Park, Illinois, at low interest rates and prices in 200000's  They cash flow nicely and prices have increased a lot. 

How much is your house worth and how much do you owe?

This would greatly increase the size of your next downpayment.

Memphis is definitely worth a closer look.

The Austin metro was among the hottest destinations in the country for where people were moving last year, according to the latest annual ranking from U-Haul International Inc.Austin ranked No. 5 among the top U.S. growth metros in 2024, and Texas was the No. 2 state for move-ins — bested from the top spot after three consecutive years by South Carolina, according to data released Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area took the crown for the top growth metro in the recent list, followed by Charlotte, North Carolina (No. 2); Phoenix (No. 3); and, Lakeland, Florida (No. 4).

Something like that looks like it would be something worth looking into. 

House hacking is a financial no-brainer, it eliminates you single biggest monthly expense, so you can increase your savings rate.

Go search the topic "Lifestyle Asset University" here on Bigger Pockets and you will see a longer thread with a lot of opinions (most are not members) but still worth a read as there are a half a dozen paid members from our group who have commented on that thread.We were formerly called Lifestyle Asset University, but I didn't realize that you couldn't use the word University in your company name here in Utah so we changed our name to Vodyssey.