After going through appraisal and all the applications process, they rejected the loans, over how HOA consists of too many investors vs homeowners, I then picked another unit in different community, did the same process, then they rejected the another execuse over HOA, It costs me several months times of refi and I requested the refund of appraisal fee and didn't get this refund. 

Investing in  2-4 unit properties within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex would be ideal but I am also interested in other potential deals, that fall within the 2-4 unit range.

I am considering living in one of the units myself.

Have been talking about getting into real estate investing for the last 2-3 years and finally pulled the trigger on a 3 unit house hack in Soulard that will be closing later this month and will be self-managing the property.I'm trying to network a bit with other investors, build a solid team of contractors / handymen, and set my systems up in way to scale, but also so my tenants have a good experience.

Purchase price: $645,000 Cash invested: $516,000 80% cash purchase.2,437 sq ft Duplex, with 3b 2b for the front unit (1331), 4b 2b for the back unit (1333).   

I also assist folks (largely OOS investors) get started in the market there.I'm happy to connect, chat about the market, and send you a ton of resources.The city has been seeing a huge resurgence that goes back 10+ years now.

To grow a portfolio (ie #'s of units) requires a lot of capital.

I don't think 5+ units gets you to where you want to go. 

In the event that he moves out in a few years, I would turn the unit into a rental.Questions:1) Since I will be renting to a family member, do I still need to create an LLC?   

For example we pay our own income taxes, broker splits and all of our other expenses directly out of what we make including required E&O insurance, MLS dues, licensing fees, Board of Realtor dues, continuing education costs, marketing, advertising, office fees/rent, transaction coordinator/ assistant fees, health insurance, car insurance and maintenance, gas, tires, software, retirement fund, etc.We are not W2 employees with payroll taxes already taken out of our paychecks, company-paid health insurance and matching retirement account plus a guarantee of at least 40 hours paid work per week, sick pay, paid vacation… none of that.So if you’re thinking you’ll be able to pay an hourly wage typical of a W2 hourly employee like $50-85/hr… that’s definitely not going to work.