@Tanner KingWhen I analyze a house hack deal, I focus on metrics like GRM, Cap Rate, Cash Flow, House Hack Savings, and Future Rent Potential.

We have trades we use on jobs and know what they will charge which is often considerably less than what Joe Homeowner would pay for the same job . . . the trades know we will be using them again and again. 

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.

Operated as an executive high-end rental for 2 years and cash flowed nicely while rented.

Austin is not a great cash flow market currently, but has proven to have solid long-term appreciation.

You are looking at this through the lense of cash flow, don't forget you are also paying down the mortgage and might see some appreciation, so equity growth might be more than cash flow.

It seems like the shortest path to cash-flow with the less out of pocket expense. 

the have found a way to solve for all the problems that you brought up and get you quicker to a place that your investment can be cash flowing.  

How much would you have to put in it, what would it rent for, with your current mortgage (if you have one) what would the cash flow be, and is it in a good appreciating area that you believe in? 

That way you’d still really cash flow and you’d have some depreciation, but that’s your hypothetical call.