I have a client house hacking in Hoboken who bought for a bit over $1.3m - they live in the top duplex 2/1.1 and rent the bottom duplex 2/1.1 as an MTR now and probably will make 4k/month.

Some Bay Area investors I know are: house hacking, rent by the room, mid-term rentals, STR (depending on your location AirBnbs may not work).

I just wanted to hear people's thoughts on whether to look for a house hack opportunity or to keep renting and look for a rental property deal.

I'm with you...I'm waaaaay over all of the "10 tricks" "10 life hacks" "10 best...." articles out there.

Hi @Leonard La Rocca III welcome to BPWith a goal to house hack your option will be much better and tremendously more favorable.1. $50k gets you the house but leaves you very little room for value add. 

The cash I make from this is going to fund the first of many house hacks, BRRRs, mid-term rentals, and whatever other markets I find myself in.

Quote from @Braden Fisher: Hey my names Braden, I’m a new investor in the salt lake area looking to buy my first deal as an owner occupied house hack.

Personally, I think house-hacking is the best way to start. 

Sometimes the smoothest way to acquire your 2nd house hack, the conventional route could be the best.

Thanks in advance. if it were me i would buy something i can house hack but the above is really very limited information so it really will boil down to personal preference.