I understand you're looking for a good area with good growth at a good price in the Tri-State Area but if the numbers aren't making sense, it could be worth check out the market in the Midwest specifically in Ohio. 

Find the local bank with the most branches and have the tenant make direct deposit there - no personal checks. 

Checked out their website...looks very interesting!

Upon checking out the home, I felt comfortable offering 240k and no credits due to my prior experience of checking out homes in the area.

I pay them all by check and all have legit full time business.....no "side work" guys.  

if I did a drug, criminal, credit check on you, is there anything I should know?

https://imgur.com/a/NkMC65J
I am considering house hacking by buying a duplex to live on one side for about 3 years. To purchase it, I would be using equity from my primary home which I plan on renting out. I think I...

I've found a few houses with these additions or conversions and when I check with the city, there were never permits so I know a lot of people just do it anyway.

I'll check the SSIC out.

I have ran the numbers and for me, they check out, obviously I would do more digging if it comes down to actually purchasing this dealSo... my biggest concerns are that I want to get into my first property and if I find an opportunity, like perhaps this one, I don't want to miss it, but the amount of cash on hand is a concern, so I'm kind of stumped.