I have the option to buy a 1,300-sqft 3-bed, 1.5-bath house in South End neighborhood of Stamford, CT, from a family member before it goes on the market.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience leveraging a VA loan without house hacking?

I found a house that I like to purchase in a great neighborhood and the exterior looks great for a 1922 stick built house.

They either list owner-occuiped houses for sale or know they can show a normal buyer 5-10 houses for a sale.- It's not profitable for them to search for under-market priced houses, figure out repairs needed or what other problem is pushing the price down and do even more for a newbie investor that has analysis-paralysis and may never buy anything.Some questions you'll want to share the answers to with any agent you choose:1) Are you paying cash or getting a mortgage?

House hacking is a great way to get started.

I personally am interested in creating a long-term rental portfolio but I'd be interested in hearing any strategy, ie. house flipping, short term rentals etc.

I am looking at different loan options but to break even (not having to put any money of my own in the house after the initial down payment) the current down payment required is that much. 

We also paid for an inspection on the house & 2 appraisal fees.I called Nick to ask questions and he didn’t like the questions I was asking so called my partner and told him I needed to back off or they’d cancel the deal!

I have my primary property which is a single-family house that I house hack.

@Tim Holt, Yes INDEED house hacking is the best option for most 1st time buyers.