Hello All,So I'm looking for some personal opinion, preferences, and insight.I'm beginning the search for my second property (first closes on 7/8 hopefully) and I would like to either use the FHA and 3.5% down route to buy more, and purchase a 2-4 unit, living in one side for at least a year, aka a househack,or,I would like to find an area in the Greater Pittsburgh area, SFR, for about $165,000 or less (this would ensure I'm paying less on the mortgage then I currently am while I'm renting, with the intent to make larger payments I'm used to making and paying it down quicker). 

Hello All,So I'm looking for some personal opinion, preferences, and insight.I'm beginning the search for my second property (first closes on 7/8 hopefully) and I would like to either use the FHA and 3.5% down route to buy more, and purchase a 2-4 unit, living in one side for at least a year, aka a househack,or,I would like to find an area in the Greater Pittsburgh area, SFR, for about $165,000 or less (this would ensure I'm paying less on the mortgage then I currently am while I'm renting, with the intent to make larger payments I'm used to making and paying it down quicker).

I plan to keep a personal emergency fund of 10k in the bank that I'd prefer not to touch.Duplexes in my area run around 120k.

I prefer to be buying when unemployment is high and improving, rather than low and approaching where it historically starts reverting upward again (and prices flatten or decline..)..

And I can't tell how recently you graduated, but no matter what your score is a lender will want to see at least 1 year if not 2 years of working history, preferably within the same industry.HOWEVER I think you should move out of your parents' place. 

While some people like those properties, I find that I prefer my passive income to be a bit more passive.

We prefer distressed properties for numerous reasons such as increased returns through sweat equity/forced appreciation, and what we fill will be lower long-term maintenance as our properties have received significant if not complete remodels.

@Ryan Schultz - I'd prefer not to distribute; the contract is very specific to my scenario.

In a recovering market that has not yet fully recovered, I'd prefer to flip.

I will admit, I prefer buy and holds as well as flips (new portion of my business), so I am biased towards that approach vs. wholesaling.