They were house hacking in Capitol Hill before it was even a term.

Is that why you’re leaning toward renting, even with a $1K/month loss?

I have been reading the online resources about getting started, searching the market, and even doing tours, but I am hesitant to jump in and buy a house as I have quite a large amount of student debt.

I do have to pay 2.9% fees when I use it which makes it kinda not even worth doing in my opinion.  

That is what we thought, but are being told we have to pay SS and medicare on this now even though it is "deferred." 

One or the other I'd say....And IMHO, electric fireplaces look cheap, even the expensive ones.....

Ultimately it was sorted because I clarified they legally had a joint responsibility to pay the total rent and there wasn't even an option for "half" the renters to pay late.

Just one question, I would be able to do a cash out refi even if I don't put any work into the home if I decide to buy and hold?

Will talk with them to verify, but im looking at rates currently from under 5% to about 5.5%.. seems even with their largest LOC its over 6% based on current sofr. 

Go where the population is growing 5-10% per year (even though it is a small denominator) over chasing year 1 cash flow in a stagnant/declining market.