Happy to chat through some options.

Hard money rates are really high right now, plus the rates once I cash out refi are high making it seem like the only option for me, but with the rates on both ends, just doesn't seem to justify.

LLCs tend to be beneficial for financing options if using hard money as it can be required depending on the program.

Happy to discuss lending options in detail.

I am currently 21 years old and was recently hired with my dream job in Sarasota County (I saw that Sarasota wasn’t an option so I picked the closest.)

Yes, House Hacking seems like the most ideal option when considering my first investment (open to other forms of ownership, such as live-in flips as well).

I Hope with this new perspective perhaps some new options have opened up for you! 

There is an incredible amount of points to consider when weighing the options on something like this and honestly, I don't recommend it to very many people at all ....even seasoned tradesmen and investors.

Real estate is not the end all be all panacea for building wealth, there are a lot of other options many of which will give you way fewer headaches than real estate will!

Many good rental options in San Antonio/New Braunfels area.