My advice: don’t overthink it—your first house hack is about learning, so pick a strong rental market, ensure solid demand, and lock in a deal that gets you close to break-even or better.

But if you are saying that is always breaking or giving you issues, I know that can be a make or break.

Purchased a little too high at the buy (I knew it at the time too), does a little better than breaking even on cashflow, and took too long to rehab.

Let's break down a realistic timeline for building your REI business without burning out or risking your day job.  

Good news is they must have read my welcome guide

Though, my main goal is to be break-even or close to it in cash flow once a property manager steps in to take over. 

Assume break even cash flow while rented which includes a generous $600/mo repair fund. 

.: You must not read the news.

As the investor gains experience, they are not only able to more successfully foresee the “bumps” along the way, able to handle recessions, temporary negative cash flow, unforeseen capital expenditures without panicking, but will also recognize the opportunities necessary to turn a loss into a break even.

The good news is owner occupying allows you to get away with things like this a bit more.