Since you are on the Austin forum and stated you are from Texas, I would be happy to get on a phone call or have coffee with you to help you focus on the task ahead.However, let me remind you, I am neither a real estate agent, or lender.  

Buy box: Location: Approx. 30 min drive to Boston Heights, for workNeighborhoods: Decent walkability score - not far from shops/restaurants/trendy neighborhoodsIdeal tenants: Close to hospitals/universities/schools for professionals/students/familiesBudget: $175-250K - Buying w/conventional loan, 5% down/ approx 20K reno.Property type: MFH 2-4 units - preferably side-by-side, with a yard we can fence for our dogUnits: 3+/1+ - better if 1.5/2 bath per unitTimeline: Plan to live there for 2 years, but possibly only 1 year if we find another investment opportunityGoal: Focus on appreciation - would like to see cash flow in year 2-3 (the year we move out), including overhead (Vacancies, Maintenance, Utilities) and budgeting in PM if eventually we don't manage ourselvesValue add: Opportunity for some forced appreciation, but not a full reno - cosmetic upgrades and updating kitchens/baths while we live in one unit.

Current goal is focused on growing a portfolio and reinvesting cash flows.

High earners should also consider estate planning tools like trusts or Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) to minimize future tax burdens.Given his income level and tax complexity, consulting a real estate-focused CPA is essential to maximizing deductions and optimizing tax efficiency.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

To analyze deals efficiently, focus on key metrics like cash flow, cap rate, and expense ratios—make sure rental income covers mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while hitting your 6% cap rate target.

Ironically, I was ready to let go of multifamily and focus on more lease options, but then my team finally got an offer accepted on a 54 unit.

This allowed BJ & Traci to focus solely on the project without the burden of financial strain.

-Explore builder-financing programs, private lenders, or hard money lenders who may focus more on the deal itself rather than personal experience.If you can demonstrate successful project management and a solid business plan, funding will become easier over time.

All the best to you during your last semester.Househacking is one of the most common routes for new investors in NY.For best returns, I'd recommend focusing on South and Southeast Queens, Central and Southeast Brooklyn, and the Bronx.There are parts of the suburbs (Westchester and Long Island) that have househack opportunities but the property taxes are higher and the commute time to NYC is longer.Abel