I've read BiggerPockets' Real Estate Investing book and am particularly interested in the house hacking strategy, as I'd like to move out of my current living situation.Our main dilemma is choosing between a single-family home (renting out one room to a close friend) or a multifamily property like a duplex or triplex.

friends who moved into Dormont so that seems to be an area on the rise.  

I have friends that own property in Costa Rica.  

You want to focus on areas where you have a competitive advantage (you have lived there or you have family and friends there) and then compare those areas against widespread list of great areas to invest.Good luck!

It’s in pretty good shape at this point, rentable.I travel a lot for work, and a friend gave me the idea to do a short term rental as a one bedroom, locking all of my stuff in the other bedroom and office - I applied today and was denied because I don’t own both sides of my HPR, even though I have written permission from the owner of the other half….

Finding an investor-friendly agent is key and they should be able to help you with 1-4, I'd say talking about those questions you asked would be the perfect thing to ask any potential agents you interview! 

I also hope airbnb does not continue to get less host friendly.  

From leaving my home friends and family I met some really good people and I hoped to share that experience and learn more about realestate in the process How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Since New Jersey is very tenant friendly I wanted to know if anyone has had a successful experience with actually getting your tenant out within a few months?

I don’t want anything in return—just hoping to network, make new friends, and maybe be of help or value to you in any way.If you're up for grabbing a quick lunch, coffee, or beer (on me!)