It makes a lot of sense to do that but have heard the refi process into conventional can be costly… What’re your thoughts on having a co signer to show 2+ years of income?

A CO will not be issued, and new tenants cannot occupy until this inspection is done, and the inspection cannot be done until the unit is vacant and move-in ready. 

As a beginner, you can learn a lot from your uncle with a few rentals in another state or a co-worker that's on their second house hack.

Our mother-in-law died three years ago, my wife and her sister inherited a co-op, mortgage free, we sold it, and there is no estate tax due.

Almost structured like a co-op, but not.

As a beginner, you can learn a lot from your uncle with a few rentals in another state or a co-worker that's on their second house hack.

if he’s going to be a co-owner and make payments then you should be ok, put him on title.

As a beginner, you can learn a lot from your uncle with a few rentals in another state or a co-worker that's on their second house hack.

It was a property owned by a co-worker.

@Noyessie Hubert...I would  recommend  either  1) continuing to  save so you  can ample  funds to  buy the 500-750K range  you want   2)  consider  adding a co borrower  to the mix ( partner / spouse / relative )    3)  buying a  lower price  condo now  ...letting it appreciate and then  leverage  the  equity  plus  using  savings for the new  proeprty  ..this options   will likely take  years to happen