If you are looking to buy in PA, its possible you can qualify for PHA KFIT program that gives you a 5% closing cost forgivable loan.

Covering the mortgage isn’t an issue, but I’m considering factors like: Multi-Family: House hacking would help offset costs right away, but I’d likely need to put money into renovations upfront.Single-Family: Easier move-in with no immediate renovations needed, plus potentially lower tenant turnover once I rent it out For those who have been in a similar situation, what did you choose and why?

If you turn any two "bonus rooms" (rec room, office, formal dining room) into two more bedrooms, then you're at $5,950+ per month—a 138% increase in rental income.Now, imagine scaling this across multiple properties while keeping lower upfront costs compared to multifamily properties.

. - WRT income, at a minimum it has to cover all of your costs plus some for unforeseeable expenses.  

Your 1000sqft 80k renovation will cost you roughly the same on a 120k property in a class D neighbor and a 500k property in class A neighborhood.

Quote from @Dylan Webb: Have you talked to a lender to see what it would cost you?

If transferring the property to an LLC, be mindful of the due-on-sale clause, and note that an LLC itself does not offer tax savings unless electing S-Corp status, which is rare for rentals.To maximize tax benefits, consider cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and short-term rental (STR) strategies, which could allow you to offset W-2 income if structured properly.

I would tell people today that if you buy a primary residence expect to stay in that home for atleast five years, especially with a FHA loan which has lower down payment as the current forecasts for home appreciation or very low which with closing costs on the buy and sell, it will take several years to have equity in the property and enough to be able to sell, so that is something also to consider.

So, what is my most preferred to least preferred, it all comes down to cost of capital.  

@Drake BackmanBigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax strategist specializing in real estate taxation.A good real estate tax strategist can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding a tax  strategist specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your tax strategist remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist willing to work with you throughout the year.