So thinking it is a value add is Typically only True for the income aspect (I.e. the additional rent).  

I think this is the worst aspect of investing in apartments.

If anyone has any recommendations on real estate agents to get in contact with or advice on any other aspect of my house hacking journey I would greatly appreciate some expert advice. 

Plus, many other aspects make its much more complicated. 

Make it clear up front1. the term you plan on borrowing for2. what it will be used for, including property address3. payment and interest terms4. end game or exit strategies5. what the borrower and lenders role is (lender vs equity partner)the last 2 are important to preserving a relationship. have plan up front for if things go wrong. also, make sure they are aware they are a lender, not equity investor on the property, and you control all aspects of the project. in return they get a steady return. private money from friends/family can be one of the best sources of capital, but you have to understand the person you are approaching. i have very close family members that i would never ask to lend because i do not want to jeopardize the relationship based on their personality. 

It is a great place to meet new friends and learn about various aspects of real estate and more.Check out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastGood luck on your journey!

I learned about cash flow being an important aspect of investing as well.

Someone I know of, but have never meet, Ionly know from one radio recorded interview, on she does Rentals inWash. state, as the book-keeper of them with her husband does much of the physical aspects of them; her name is Michele Fischer.

Be cautious of advice from people in other states as their contractual and MLS rules can be different along with the terms used to describe different aspects of a deal.

So, every time I hear from someone that they know, for a fact, that their investment idea is foolproof I feel the need to explain that assessing the risk is difficult and the most-important aspect of investing.How many times does it take to understand that investors should never rely on or trust someone with your money or to think that a partnership is a sound and foolproof way to invest your hard-earned money.Very rarely, do partnerships work out.