Not nearly as far as it did when I got started... ugh I hate that I am now old enough to say such a thing.

This fundamental slow in housing starts has caused household formation to outpace new homes (single and multifamily) by 2.3 million between 2012-2022 (Source).

Quote from @Eyad Ahmed: Starting my Virual wholesaling plan from egypt is quite challenging but doable i'm targeting indiana market with an established LLC and the deal machine software and mojo dialer and a presence whether on social media, a website,etc  looking to connect with realtors as I'm looking to start novations as well alongside wholesaling any recommendations about my plan or tips and trick's on how to close my first deal, also if there is any buyers in, fort wayne, indiana polis,munchie drop your email to add you to our end-buyers list also any recommemdations of title company that deals with digital banking for example: mercury,wise,relay and is investor friendlyI am the owner of DealMachine and also have 19 properties in Indianapolis.

This website is a nice starting point as you are deciding on what location to choose from.

I went through the same dilemma when I started investing a few years ago.

Could you please suggest how I can start and what steps I should take?

I recently purchased my home in October 2023 (before starting my real estate investing journey), so I don’t yet have access to any substantial equity.

That said, even with conservative rental income estimates, my living expenses would eventually drop to several hundred dollars less than what I’m currently paying in rent once the house hack starts generating income.I do have cash reserves to weather some rough patches, but the idea of pushing my budget this hard makes me uneasy.

I started off with house hacking a duplex in Malden a few years back and have been able to acquire 14 more units since then.

They started with 2 properties and are now at 15+...I would suggest you staet with a great property manager and go from there.