(By headaches, I mean that 1) fire coding is more onerous for 3- and especially 4-families and 2) the "tenant mentality" is tougher for 3- and 4-families, much more of a "not my property not my problem" mentality, more conflicts between tenants/units, etc.)Also it's harder in general (even for 3- and 4-families) in nicer areas for investment properties to cash flow, because the properties are lower risk, and the tenant selection is much better, so investors are willing to pay more and get a lower return.The real advantage of house hacking (occupying one of the units in an investment property) is getting favorable, 30-year fixed rate owner-occupied financing, which is the best you can do.

I know it will seem "cash flow" like crazy, but between the looming capex updates, *potentially* unsavory tenants, and possible evictions, the mental stress did not equate to enough profit.       

It's pretty straightforward and can be just the boost you need to bring your DTI down or add needed reserves when trying to finance an investment property.

Noble practice with a handful of units but that's "perfect world" mentality.

I disagree with the plan of working 40 years to have a meager retirement I believe in all the self help ra ra crap,it is all mental I believe the biggest risk is not taking a risk I really like re and business.

Similar to you, were looking start wholesaling to boost our funds to buy and hold a multi family in the Bronx.

It is brutally hard mentally not physically but keep in mind you can do very well. 

At scale it takes up too much mental bandwidth. nothing like running a report on the 3rd 4th and it being $0 past due.

The higher income for US renters will help to boost RE prices.One potential downside: limit illegal immigrants: might reduce the demand for rental in some areas.

I find this segregation of finances mentally healthy, especially when property is in another county.