I like your idea of "house hacking" a duplex or larger multi-family complex (i.e. your "live-in-one-unit-and-rent-out-the-other(s)" plan). 

Concord West of the Ashley condo complex

Buying apartment complexes will help you to get where you are going much quicker. 

Maybe the top reason is about vacancy in houses are usually more painful in rental houses more than in apartment complexes. 

Neighborhood is a little rough but there is a hospital and medical complex and LSU Medical school is up the street.Second Deal:Asking price: 360k14 Units Apartment building.

I think I found a good 2br/2bath unit, furnished with a long canal/bay view in a 10 unit complex.

The second recommendation would be to do a house flip with a special and your able to move there and be a "house hacker" and take advantage of the lower down payment.The only other way away from home is to buy an apartment complex that had a minimum of 30 units so that project could afford property management company from that local area, they need to be experienced and understand what you expect in reporting and current operation with phone talking. 

Even an hour adds complexity and difficulty arranging things and costs a lot in fuel and time if you self manage .

Eventually, I’d like to invest in apartment complexes but I suppose this could change the more I learn.Thanks for having me!

The HOA says the complex is 49% or less owner occupied.