We do a lot of work with investors and house hackers in Colorado Springs, and we're hearing the same thing about this market. 

As a renter and aspiring house-hacker with a pet I have interest in this question from both sides!

I am actually a proponent of "house hacker's" (specifically first timers) having a HUD consultant to protect their interest, if of course, the HUD consultant is capable. 

Berwyn and Cicero may be worth considering however in the past few years it has been difficult for house hackers to make the numbers work in my experience.

Nice job Gene Hacker.

You have a healthy budget and a smart strategy for the area (fellow NJ house hacker here)!  

I work with a lot of clients that have similar goals - either investors looking at straight rentals or house hackers using that strategy as a stepping stone to a bigger portfolio or some financial freedom.

As a house hacker you should exclusively be looking for 5-2s or larger- in my experience, nothing else in Seattle is going to cashflow like you need it to. 

I've been writing offers everyday for the last couple weeks for my clients, mostly house-hackers buying 1-4 units.

Would to hear any experiences / stories from the loyal house hackers!