I have been very interested in house hacking for some time but it is hard to make the numbers work.

Good news was that I was in a refi at the time.

If you’re open to exploring nearby markets, like northwest Georgia or north-central Alabama, you may have an easier time finding properties within your buy box.

While some reductions might increase short-term costs for investors, a more balanced budget could stabilize inflation and interest rates over time.

At that time I will get the house cleaned up and list it on the market and when it sells I've agreed to get reimbursed my costs for reinstatement plus any other costs plus a fee for my efforts.

In some jurisdictions, you are liable for 3 times the value of the property if you lose.

Its doable, I've done it many times.   

They will save you time and money. 

Do that enough times and you'll eventually find a deal you can afford.

If the water bill is $100 a month, increase the price by 20% (or whatever you decide is fair) to compensate you for the time required to split and bill and to cover additional use when tenants squander the utility.