Yes house hacking is the best cash on cash return hands down, but taking X amount of years to save up for the down payment seems like a real motivation killer in my opinion.

Our biggest motivation is to be able to spend more time with our kids and to stop spending so much time commuting every day. 

I'm 45 and late to the game but I am biased toward action, very self-disciplined, and highly motivated to build a better future.

These tips can also be used to achieve success in other areas of your life such as health, relationships, etc.1  Positive Mental AttitudeThe only thing in life you have control over is your mind.

If there are residential rental units on the property, I usually don't rent to residential tenants since you can usually achieve higher garage rents from non-onsite residential tenants.

Without a late fee or threat of eviction, there is no motivation to pay on time, because there are no consequences for paying late. 

Read,Read,Read, get crystal clear on what your long term goals are. then find out how to achieve them.what types of properties are you looking for?

Most people think local lender is important on how the lender can serve THEM better as a buyer, understands the local comunity and their motivation to invest - the latter is only an issue when you use a portfolio loan, no issue with a conventionl, that's all gov underwriting guidelines.Thinak about thr seller's perspective. 

@Steve PuglisiIt sounds like you are wanting to target distressed situations to locate off-market properties with potentially motivated sellers.

Do you certain income goals you still want to achieve?