House hacking is an excellent strategy, especially with the potential to use an FHA loan to secure a property with a low down payment. 

It does however give you a degree of independence to choose what you want to do.As your portfolio grows you'll also feel the weight of future capex responsibility more, which ironically points you to growing more cash flow through more real estate.The other issue is that you are chasing a moving goalpost.

Quote from @D'Ann Melnick: Saw this was an old question, but it came up in search - this is all part of the rent stabilization laws passed in 2024 - https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/Resources/Files/tena...The pet deposit cannot exceed $300 and the total amount of security deposits collected cannot exceed two month's rent.

Quote from @Brian Rocha: I'm looking to secure a HML for a fix n flip in Florida and for now and am only looking to secure for the purchase price only and handle the rehab costs myself.

Security systems are easily outsmarted, that’s the point of the initial visit, to case the joint. 

I understand this is a good way to become financially secure over time and am eager to start.  

Quote from @Keilon Morton: I am looking to secure my first tax sale and need another investor to go in on the deal.

We were not able to recover any yard damages due to other damages they had left that needed repair, which empted out their security deposit.

Our lease contains a clause stating the security deposit cannot be used for the last month's rent. 3.

I should have been more clear...I actually have a BLOC with multiple properties securing the interest.