It's a good children's story but doesn't match reality because it only presents two possible options: a tortoise that is slow and steady, or a rabbit with speed but no endurance.

While you aren't producing any cash flow, you are living there for relatively cheap.Realistically, there is no formula that can tell you what you should do because house hacking truly depends on your comfort level and what you are willing to endure to lower your living expenses or produce cash flow.

This one gave me the confidence that I'm able to handle way more than I think I am if I just endure and think "What's My Next Move."

RE is not a sprint, it's an endurance race, you need to train for it.

A long term lease would ensure your property was cared for while you would avoid the management concerns other landlords endure dealing with common tenants.I trust your understanding that not everyone is as fortunate as yourself in their education, however, I can assure you that I know real estate very well and that I am a very responsible person.   

Look what you had to endure just to go through permitting process.

You endured a "perfect storm" of both legislative and economical changes occurring in the midst of your investments.

It has also helped endure many insanely packed trains on my commute here in Tokyo.I have been living in Japan for 10+ years.    

With a vacancy that high in that location you will endure much turnover even if you decide to put in a nicer rehab.

Even if I worked to the limit of human endurance, it would take me at least three months (probably more) before I close my first deal.