For example, my local credit union has a first time home buyer program that will contribute up to $8k in down payment assistance as a grant.

.- To the small minority who chimed in with something to the tune of "geez, I'd disown you too, you little Gen-Z brat": maybe take a beat before you judge somebody's character by a low-context post here.

These places will be more expensive, for a reason.Now I do think that there is some opportunity in certain areas of upstate NY for short term rentals, however upstate NY is not a well established travel destination so your occupancy will probably be low and highly seasonal but this method is viable.

Yes DSCR refinance. 2nd position home equity loan(on rentals) if your 1st position rate is very low. 

The lender pool here is typically not your neighborhood credit union, but could be.  

Barrier to entry is better than much of CA, rents are high, inventory is low, jobs market is solid.

Hey Ben, target areas with strong job markets, low vacancies, and planned developments for a winning house hack.

.)- 10% for future property management -10% for vacancy-10% for CapEx-5% for repairs and maintenance-5% for lawn and grounds keeping-0.5% of purchase price for PMI based on my credit score For a house hack, is this too conservative?

I've learned that it's a specialized type of line voltage thermostat, not compatible with regular low voltage Furnace/AC systems.

And your one time jobs will be low on their priority.