They also tend to offer good cash flow relative to their cost, especially in areas with high demand for affordable housing.

You could go the house hacking route with buying MFU, etc.It MIGHT be interesting if you are a traveling nurse to turn your house hack into a short term or mid term rental while you are gone.

Quote from @Pearse Cafiero: You want to borrow money to buy a house, but you don't have the downpayment.

Joined bigger pocket to achieve my dream of owning a dream house in (already crazy) Hawaii market haha.

I interact with first time house hackers / seasoned investors on a daily basis.

Have a six figure 9-5 but exhausted of corporate affordable housing world bs.

There is an affordable housing crisis here in America.

1 is mainly on the population.  2 is on the existing units.  

For most people a house hack is a great start. 

@Heather Bailey When house hacking with a separate rental unit, ensure proper insurance by obtaining landlord or short-term rental coverage tailored for Airbnb activities, in addition to your primary residence policy.