You really don't know a single thing about Real Estate do you John? 

In Ohio you can find a lot of single family in the $100-200k range or 2-4 units in the $150-400k range that do pretty well cash flow.

Didn't appreciate it would have to be that many doors multi-family vs higher value single family.

Then later on purchase homes with cash (single family homes), I would like to learn how to read the market and know where a state or city is thriving but also learn where it's not.

With just one company and a single point of contact, we deliver unmatched synergy and efficiency.

House hacking seems like the best strategy for me.My goal is to purchase a single-family home in Maryland, D.C, (from lurking I've heard D.C was terrible for investing) or Virginia with multiple rooms where I'm making monthly payments similar to what I pay in rent and other charges ($2000-$2500).

if its a single family you'd get an appraisal called 1004 as is + arv . if its a 2 to 4 unit you'd get a 1025 as is + arv appraisal .

Every single one of them has either said no, they didn't, or "I didn't know that was an option." 

single family or multifamily?  

My family has been active in the Las Vegas real estate market since 1989 working mainly in single family rentals.