It might be beneficial to start evaluating investment properties in Memphis now while planning your house hack closer to your move date.If you have any questions or need more insights about the Memphis market, feel free to reach out.

An IRS lien, code violations (weed abatement, grass cutting, boarding windows-doors, and demolition costs), HOA fees, water- sewer bills all go along with the property providing the property has any of these. 

Courtney,First off, I wish we were closer, we'd jump on this for you!

I wish you were closer to Connecticut as I would gladly let you shadow me.

Very little time on my part.I do drive an hour to mow the grass myself, but only because I might ride a jet ski while I'm there.Life is good.

I would wait and save more until you are done in Montreal and then house hack closer to home after spending two years learning and making connections.

For example if they're only needing to draw $50K (often a minimum required by lenders) the payments on the HELOC might be closer to $700+/- monthly interest only.In all likelihood borrowers will not be in their HELOC beyond the initial 5-10 year draw period.

Obviously HOA fees are usually pretty outrageous when compared to properties where there is no HOA or it's a typical SFR neighborhood with typical HOA dues for things like cutting the grass in common areas, or servicing the neighborhood pool. 

I could save a whole lot of cash mowing my own grass, ironing my shirts, painting the kitchen, organizing my garage, and changing my own oil.

Are we talking dead spots in grass from urine and trails from running fence lines?