If this was true we would all be buying options, swaps, and other derivatives.

My question is, because my agent was involved in showing the home and made offers for us while it was listed (6 months ago) should I go through them or it is okay to pursue this as any other off market property without an agent?

New construction can be a very attractive option in certain markets.

On the other hand, if you are looking to do a more heavy value-add with renovation you may look for bridge or private money options.

If house hacking isn't the best option for me, how would you recommend starting out to build up some investments.

The problem now is that if you're looking to do a cash out re-fi (e.g. as part of a BRRRR strategy involving the development of ADU's), there typically are no comps for an SFR + ADU + JADU, so an appraiser makes adjustments to SFR comps and gives very little value to the ADU's. 

The oener finaning option.

Focus on understanding the rental market, conducting thorough property inspections, and leveraging owner-occupied financing options like FHA loans.

You can contribute by finding deals or managing properties in exchange for a share of the profits.Lease Options: Control properties without owning them by renting with an option to buy, and potentially sublease for profit.Owner Financing: Buy properties directly from sellers willing to finance, bypassing traditional lenders and often requiring less upfront money.REIGs: Join real estate investment groups to pool funds with others for property investments.For a more hands-off approach, investing in turnkey properties in growing markets with minimal upfront investment would be ideal (like in the Southeast and Midwest of the country).

I have seen loan products that will let you purchase a mixed use property to live in the residential unit, but that is a specific product and you should consult and expert to see the best option for you and your cash on hand.