Since we buy value-add properties, the vast majority of my time is spent managing (and working) our renovation projects.

With that being said, I am currently looking to buy a multi family project in Ankeny and liquidating many of my properties in the Iowa City area. 

Please be careful, at higher amounts leveraged, the carrying costs/time value of money can eat you alive if you have any hiccups in your project. 

I am charging a slight premium over the list price of the house to lock in the price 2 years in the future and giving him 3 options to pay the fee for the option to buy.Option 1: 3.5% Payment for the option to purchase the property within the next 2 years.

Staring with a few flip projects could be a strategic move to build up your reserves and establish an efficient assembly for your investments.

Here's another key...we usually want to see that someone has done similar projects in the past...or at least projects of progressively increasing complexity. 

GL in all your future REI ventures.

It's easy to get caught short on cash mid-project.

Another option that I've seen in the local market is purchasing a heavily distressed or big rehab project with a local hard money lender that will allow a smaller downpayment due to the amount of equity in the deal on the back end.

I've heard over 2/3's of Americans have less than $1k in their checking account.To answer your question, I like your idea of being able to house hack, since your travel nursing job could leverage a unique position for your future.