At that time I will get the house cleaned up and list it on the market and when it sells I've agreed to get reimbursed my costs for reinstatement plus any other costs plus a fee for my efforts.

I don't think Danbury is a big house hack market, but I could be wrong.

My personal preference for a buy and hold would be an already established area (or an area that's still gentrifying, but has already seen significant progress). 

.• Creative Financing: Keep an open mind to creative financing strategies; sometimes thinking outside the traditional box can reveal opportunities others might overlook.On a related note, I help investors streamline their operations by generating quality leads and assisting with VA hiring, which might be useful as you build your team and network in the area.Looking forward to seeing your progress and sharing insights along the way.

So I'm a fan of buying in the path of progress from here since it's starting to expand outwards into cheaper neighborhoods.

Resist the temptation of a cheap property/market.It's also going to feel like you are not making any progress in the first year or two.

I’m 18 and currently living at home with low expenses.My dilemma: Should I buy a duplex as a house hack and cover the negative cash flow to start building equity?

Would love to hear about your progress!

Carlos, I am from Spokane and I house hacked the first 4 years I lived here.  

Here in the USA you have to be licensed to build a structure that will house someone else.