My wife and I purchased a home at the very beginning of 2022 and "house-hacked."

Buying a new primary residence has nothing to do with the capital gains exclusion.It is when you go to sell the new house down the line you'll run into a problem.

I will continue looking into the areas you mentioned and appreciate your insights.

Although there are advantages to waiting too, such as if interest rates continue to drop.

I would focus on a strategy and you and your brother like (Do you want day to day management of a house flip?

I think this will even out your space in the house.

The 4 guests smoked marijuana in the house (strong smell), broke a window blind and a picture, put a hole in the bathroom wall, chipped an end table and worst of all vomited on the couch and front porch.

OKC has alot of opportunity mainly because of its low level of enforcement of housing codes, strong landlord laws and conservative judges in eviction court.

There are a few Dundalk neighborhoods I'd stay away from but for the most part it's a great area for house hacking/BRRRR.

Quote from @Charles J Sabo: This will be huge for house hackers out there. 95%LTV on 2-4 unit properties.