The house will need a new fence soon, so I'll have to factor that into the scenario.I'm not sure which choice is the best option for me.

Verify employment and call previous landlords to avoid tenants with red flags.Rent Setting: Research comparable rentals in your neighborhood to ensure your rent is competitive.Use Technology: RentRedi is a great choice.

Is one a clear choice and I am having trouble seeing it?

I’ve worked with a lot of investors and property managers in both Texas and Florida, so hopefully, I can help you sort through the options.Florida VibesFlorida could be a fantastic choice if you’re leaning toward short-term rentals.

I just wrote an offer for full asking price at 30 day close, with a contingency to extent at BUYERS choice for 30 more days if I don't get an favorable response on the electricity install costs.

If it's not feasible due to circumstances I suppose I'll have to adjust my situation (find weekend job, move back to NJ with parents, move to a different state with, etc.)All responses are appreciated, and I am absolutely open to chatting on the phone by the way.My view on house hacking is it can be a great tool to buy a house you could not  otherwise afford, but it shouldn’t be a goal in it of itself if that makes sense and that’s not to discourage you from investing just there are alternatives such as the stock market. so I’d start by asking where you want to live, do you want to own a single family home or does it make more sense to rent in a more interesting neighborhood like Arlington, Alexandria, that’s gonna be a personal choice, Will your monthly payment actually be less than renting/how many people do you need to get in the house to afford that?

$280k home for $2,500 rent is a personal choice.

My first choice would be a duplex but I'm also looking into single family.

I had little choice since I was financing out of a construction loan that had little time before a ballon.

If you added in the cash you should have to protect against contingencies, the actual return goes down (or the risk sykrockets, your choice)- If the $300K properties cashflow, definitely a better bet.