I love the Myrtle Beach area.Condos are a dime a dozen so there is stiff competition which pushes prices down.HOAs have their own problems which I always avoid.I would try and buy a beachfront house or 1st row house 

Selling a house with furnishings doesn't really add value and many buyers won't want the furniture.

Have helped multiple clients maximize their house hacking properties this year as well. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary has brought renewed attention to a long-debated policy move: the potential privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

From my experience working with over 400 investors, those who start with house hacking scale much faster.Good luck!

I considered starting out house hacking a MF, but it will only increase my monthly expenses, not lower them or provide cash flow. 

Quote from @Lawrence Mitchell: Yes I am@Lawrence Mitchell What type of property are you looking to house hack in, SF or 2-4 MF?

With your focus in using house hacking, Conventional or FHA loans would be your best options.

@Ryan Duphorn  a  5 /2  and 1920 square feet IMHO isn't a good health care traveler accommodation unless you are in a area with a shortage of housing. 

I know a friend who is an attorney, although they don’t specialize in housing law.