Do you think it's better to start sooner with a cheaper property to get in, or potentially wait longer to save more? 

If not for you and you prefer the traditional route, I would explore potential "up and coming" markets such as Acworth, Cartersville, and Douglasville, where the price-to-rent ratio is a little more favorable, and growth is apparent.

So it's not really "extra coverage" for a landlord, but rather a setup that can potentially create problems and less coverage.

In efforts to get more experience with IOS, we are seeking a financial partner that potentially has experience with this asset class. 

You can also potentially bill back tenants for usage too.   

I'm new to real estate investing, but have thrown myself into learning as much as I can by joining a Veteran based investment community, have been working with my realtor and looking daily for potential multi family properties in the Dallas area for house hacking, which I've set myself an deadline to be completed by May.

Which is very complex and costly and likely warrants professional help.Now, if it's just you and your spouse, then your 2024 tax preparation is likely relatively straightforward:- you will create a Schedule C on your personal tax return- you will NOT report any costs of purchasing the property or its rehab, not in 2024- you will report your business overhead expenses such as marketing, driving, technology etc- you will end up with a business schedule showing zero income and some expenses - not breaking the rules but potentially raising an audit flagCan you do it yourself?

When scouting for properties, explore areas on the west side as well as some parts of the east for potential opportunities.

@Joseph Leibovitch  What are you looking to do with the potential funds? 

   #3 if the pricing is such that investors are attracted and HOA does allow investors, they can potentially change the rules.