Typically, the biggest factors that will play a larger role for a house hacker are (in no immediate order):1) location restrictions (need to commute to work somewhere)2) budget/inventory (if you're open to both, I'd be looking at both areas and choose based on the property itself and how it meets your needs/goals better than the other)3) property specifics (need a certain size or amenities for yourself)Rents and prices are pretty comparable between the two.  

My latest one is a little bit north of Austin in Belmont Craigin.There are still a number of neighborhoods in NW and SW Chicago that make good sense for house hackers to target.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/624-bakersfie...CheersGene Hacker

There is Capital Connection, Do Hard Money, the owner of the property, people that loan house hackers that call you to live there for a year, and Hard Money lenders.  

I put together a spreadsheet here to help potential house hackers quickly analyze whether or not a property qualifies.

Mysteriously, the name of the PM company would remain unidentified during the presentation.As the presenter was moving forward with the presentation slides, there was one slide which was quickly glossed over with little elaboration or explanation.

With a generic or unidentifiable LLC name, your personal identity remains unknown to anyone searching public records. 

The New Bedford market is hot with House Hackers wanting to purchase the "Nice" buildings.

- Any other advice out there for a first-time house hacker looking to make the right purchase as the first step to REI and financial freedom?

There is a meetup the third Thursday of each month here in Bako hosted by Gene Hacker.