@Jacob Humiston the VA loan is an incredible product that will allow you to get into a property with very little money (if any) out of pocket.

BUT it is just part of the beauty in the journey because with each perceived "failure", we really learn how to get better and better with each transaction.And a $200 mortgage is stilll INCREDIBLY GOOD. 

Yes, the greater Seattle-Tacoma market is super hot, has been for long time now. 

It's been incredibly useful and given me a lot of insights on staying proactive. 

It's really incredible how one bad tenant can change the dynamic of an entire street.

The housing market is incredibly high for a buyer.

House hacking is an incredible way to get into buy and hold investing with a relatively low financial barrier to entry. 

If it’s a hot area where properties are selling quickly you may not need to stage the house.

Of course, I would imagine an undertaking like this would require incredibly in-depth demographic and feasibility studies among other things - worst nightmare is to be in debt with your only asset being a beautiful new but vacant building in a location no one wants to be.

With the market this hot I can afford to wait for a better/bigger entry point but I also see the merit of starting my practical learning now.