However, my local REIA is the only paid community that I am a part of and it is $200 per year.

What if you could discover these stories without digging through old records or talking to past owners or locals in the area?

House-hacking today often has to rely on much greater lifestyle sacrifice than what I personally did 10 years ago, and requires strategies that would make me uncomfortable like rent by the room, or using local laws that allow Short-Term rental only for owner-occupants. 

Also, your small local banks may be a good options; however, they usually go into a 5/25 ARM products. 

300 or 400 would be ok for a smaller house.You can provide You Tube TV for cable and local channels so you don't look too cheap.

I'd start out by reaching out to local/regional banks near the property, and local/regional banks near you, or you can can try to find a broker like me that knows those areas as well.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

Population growth, strong job growth, multisector industry/economy (Never invest in an area propped up by a single industry, or worse, a single company), landlord and business friendly, strong development, strong sports teams (even minor and farm teams), lower crime rates than national average, and good schools/colleges nearby.

How big is the land, cost to rebuild, insurance issues, economy in the city, accessibility, population.

Seek advice from legal and tax experts to ensure compliance with local laws and tax obligations.