House hack, but only if/when you can find a great deal where you can add some sweat equity.

Im asking myself this same question but with different  circumstances.I have 6 properties all cash flowing nicely.I have a  renter who wants a bigger place.So ive decided to buy a 2 family that's more then I've ever payed for an investment.There's no sweat equity and I don't expect it to go up in value over the next few years.I'll only be making 6% on my 60k down payment.  

(I want to get it to where I can wing myself off of using their money)A strategy I want to implement is to buy a cheap property, put in some sweat equity and get a mortgage on it down the road to essentially get all of my funds back out of the deal and then some  to fund my next deal. 

Very easy to work with and I was their first job.Sounds like a great deal... other than the sweat equity lol.

Maybe focus on a value add/rehab and put in some sweat equity. 

You being a contractor could be considered a competitive advantage given you'd be putting in sweat equity & have exisiting materials ready to use...something not everyone else can easily accomplish.

Or else they have vastly over-estimated the value of whatever they are bringing to the table (a potential deal, money, construction expertise, offers in the way of 'sweat equity') in my opinion.

I saw a sweat equity opportunity and gutted the entire property and renovated it up to todays standards.( I subbed out the trades and main work, I just managed the work) I now have a rental unit in the lower level and my Fiance and I live in the top 2 floors.

Sweat equity since you're going to be living in one side for a year would definitely help bring those costs down. 

@Adam Mclellan  No Sweat A/C does a great job and are very reasonable on price.407.497.4259