Yes house hacking is the best cash on cash return hands down, but taking X amount of years to save up for the down payment seems like a real motivation killer in my opinion.

Our biggest motivation is to be able to spend more time with our kids and to stop spending so much time commuting every day. 

I'm 45 and late to the game but I am biased toward action, very self-disciplined, and highly motivated to build a better future.

Listen/watch/ read motivational content every day for 10-20 min first thing in the morning, This is like a good workout for the mind.

You can have your VA eligibility we reinstated as a one time thing, so it’s just as it says, you can do it once.If you got any questions, let me know.Jason, this was incredibly helpful, thank you!

Of course I have no contacts, no agent, no knowledge of property management, no contractors so I'm incredibly hesitant to do any investing in the area atm since I'm a oos investor. 

Without a late fee or threat of eviction, there is no motivation to pay on time, because there are no consequences for paying late. 

Most people think local lender is important on how the lender can serve THEM better as a buyer, understands the local comunity and their motivation to invest - the latter is only an issue when you use a portfolio loan, no issue with a conventionl, that's all gov underwriting guidelines.Thinak about thr seller's perspective. 

@Steve PuglisiIt sounds like you are wanting to target distressed situations to locate off-market properties with potentially motivated sellers.

It can motivate others, so I am told.