Can you define what in is you HOA that you consider house hacking to be a violation of? 

@Jill Barrett start networking with other investors in the UP here on BP via search feature.Ask/pay an agent to generate a list of all the houses in an area you define have sold for cash in the last 12 months - pretty good sign an investor bought it.

To be regarded as a real estate professional, you must perform a substantial amount of real estate business, defined as more than half of your time, and at least 750 hours, spent in real estate trades or businesses. 

It sounds like you are looking for an employee as defined by most taxing bodies.

The rust belt is defined as parts US (northeastern) that are characterized by declining industry, aging factories, and a falling population. 

Talk to your PM and tell them you are not happy with their response and see what they say (also define what you mean by slow as that can mean it took them weeks or that it took them 24 hours-for a water leak, they should respond immediately). 

I do not know how you define irrational.  

Check out some of things happening in Detroit in 2024:https://michiganchronicle.com/2024/01/03/major-developments-that-will-define-detroit-in-2024/Your first question shouldn't be WHERE to invest (that is #2 question), but HOW you will invest!

All these SINGULAR city charts/metric to INFER a MSA weight are best defined as GIGO, Garbage In garbage Out.

Here's some guidanceon finding your first deal:- Define Your Criteria- Explore Financing Options: Withyour budget for a down payment, you have several financing options to explore.Conventional loans typically require a 20-25% down payment, while FHA loans forowner-occupied multifamily properties may allow for a lower down payment,around 3.5%.