I’m a new investor looking house hack my way into investing and I moved to Seattle about 6 months ago and am curious from other investors in the area on what sub market would be ideal to go for.

With limited time, I would focus on 5 or 6 specific farm areas that are ideal for your primary exit strategy.

Not as 'fun' as $500k, but I won't be flinching while stroking  a large check when I file my '17 taxes like you will be next year if you sell in bulk.

A lot of these professionals are horrible at math if you stroke their ego (doctor's notoriously).

I've also convinced my parents to let me sell my car back in Baltimore, which could get me anywhere from 5,000 at the worst to the ideal of 10,000.

If I do hang on to it and refinance, when would be the ideal time to do so?

Ideally would love to be under $500k and have the rental income, wouldn't mind something that needs some TLC/repairs as well, as long as it is in a decent neighborhood. 

Strong economic fundamentals, ideally population growth or at least staying the same•Q.

This is why I would ideally like to stay very close to something like the norristown high speed line so that I could continue this.  

Ideally - i want to house hack but first I have to make sure the house is in a neighborhood I feel comfortable in.