I’m ready to start house hacking so I can attempt to turn this liability into an asset, or close to it!

You'll get a greater ROI if you are hands on but it will also take up more of your time: visits to your investment area, finding reliable "boots on the ground", managing the process from afar...Personally I'd be looking at the full turn-key experience where you pay a bit more for the property but it is ready to go and you can enjoy getting the return on your investment.

Send me an eMail if you are ready as I am sure it will generate much interest.Sam ShuehROG, Cupertino,CA 

If you get a good counter and you accept you still have plenty of time and contingencies to get out if something doesn't work out for you.Take an hour and listen to the podcast and I bet you will be ready to move forward.Cheers,Bill

@Clarence Powell Start with a specific plan for your businessIdentify your farm areaGet a contract ready so that you're prepared to make offers on properties as soon as you find themStart MarketingPut together a buyers listRemain patient, methodical and consistent, it can take months to get your first deal, keep at it and you'll increase your chance of success

I'm ready to make a purchase and prefer to keep it close to home in southern California.

Couldn't you just get rid of the mailbox and electric meter when you are ready to sell?  

A sale will consume 8% or more of your equity in transaction costs. 

Hi Everyone,Not quite a new member as I've been a long time reader working on building up my knowledge base but this is my first post as I'm finally ready to jump in and take action.

I’m currently looking for my first deal, criteria : single fam , under $400k , move in ready..