Also consider all lenders will require to review your insurance when underwriting a loan and it's likely a violation of your existing loan documents to let the properties go uninsured even if they didn't require insurance escrows. 

It took 6 months of market research (you won't reinvent the wheel), 2 months to build spreadsheets (analysis paralyze), 6-7 house tours (leverage a local RE agent), and 30 days to close with a conventional loan. 

I am sure the interest in that hard money isn't great.All DSCR loans I have seen require at least 12 months.

There's a specific forum for House Hacking.You'll want to spend some time reading through there as it's a common topic.

Only other wild card is if they destroy the house on the way out.

Hello all,
I'm looking to buy my first multi-family. I have a large lump sum saved in an investment account for down-payment and any additional costs. I currently have no debt and make under $100k a year. Because of ...

Are you trying to afford a house much more expensive than your W2s could cover? 

Consider FHA loans for lower down payments and reserve for repairs or upgrades.

When you buy a house, how does that impact your credit score?

This vary heavily town to town. 20% down is great if buying strictly as investment but if you have a way of owner occupying I would explore that route and apply the 20% down to increasing value of property and instead using low money down loan.