I really do want to try house hacking as it would reduce my cost of living immensely.

I believe a good mentor can help newbie investors immensely. 

Lenders have their strengths and weaknesses, so matching the lender with the client can help both immensely. 

Then write a book about your immense financial success.But don't go into a RE Agent's office today with this plan and get yourself nicely thrown out!!

They don’t come along often, but you will speed your process immensely when you find those types of properties.  ($8,400 x 15 years is $126,000 in rent alone)... neglecting rent increases, etc).The take away is that good money can be made in real estate, and until you get into it, you won’t enjoy the spoils, however you ultimately use them.

@Shiloh LundahlWow this was IMMENSELY helpful!

Also, any word on if Boise is a landlord friendly city would be immensely helpful.Thanks so much!

Unreimbursed utilities can hack into your bottom line immensely especially in Baltimore and especially in multi family.Along with maintenance and vacancy and reliable pm I think even at 50k per unit the deal is very good in a lot of parts of town.    

I also do not want to lever the total value of the properties above 50% (this will help immensely if there is another 2008 like downturn or any type downturn for that matter)(most conservative non-traded REITs like Blackstone use around 50% leverage as well) All 8 of our properties are very similar to this one example below.Using 5% Vacancy, 7% Repairs, 7% Capital Expenditures, 0% Management (self managed) in rental analysis calculator -Property A (paid cash) Year 1Purchase price: $80,000 Rent $1000/mo or $12,000 annualTotal Annual expenses $5,240Total Annual cash flow $6,760Cash on cash ROI $6,760/$80,000= 8.45%-Property A (Traditional 30 year fixed, 25% down, 5% rate, $2,500 closing costs) Year 1 Purchase price: $80,000 Rent $1000/mo or $12,000 annualTotal Annual expenses $9,105.12Total Annual cash flow $2,894.88Cash on cash ROI $2,894.88/$22,500= 12.87%-Property A (Alternative Lender 10 year, 25% down, 5% rate, $2,500 closing costs) Year 1 Purchase price: $80,000 Rent $1000/mo or $12,000 annualTotal Annual expenses $12,876.72Total Annual cash flow -$876.72Cash on cash ROI -$876.72/$22,500= -3.90%-The one alternative lender I found does not make sense as it creates a negative cash on cash return.

Not to say, doing homework is not immensely valuable.