Once I plug in all those numbers, I'm pretty close to breaking even.

Does anyone have some creative ideas on how I can break into the market?

While very lucrative - if you don't have enough reserves, it can really break the bank. 

But if you are saying that is always breaking or giving you issues, I know that can be a make or break.

Purchased a little too high at the buy (I knew it at the time too), does a little better than breaking even on cashflow, and took too long to rehab.

Let's break down a realistic timeline for building your REI business without burning out or risking your day job.  

So choice is staying stock market and making 15%-20% or buying property and MAYBE breaking even. 

My advice: don’t overthink it—your first house hack is about learning, so pick a strong rental market, ensure solid demand, and lock in a deal that gets you close to break-even or better.

Any residential builders looking for their next ground breaking development?

Assume break even cash flow while rented which includes a generous $600/mo repair fund.