The thing that I’m wondering though is should we be buying a home for ourselves first and setting roots and then getting into real estate, or should we jump right into it and house hack?

Also do you do your own due diligence to make sure the HOA/deed restrictions don't prevent short term rentals? 

As a agent I was chafing percentages rather than chasing the rapport and the root of the buyer/seller’s situation.After listening to podcasts daily about side hustles and how to make extra money, I came across Real Estate Investing where Im able to branch off in the real estate business on my own.

That is how one can prevent them from freezing and cracking the lines, and what is commonly done in homes in areas that freeze. 

However, I am currently renting the place we live in and now have decided we want to set roots and purchase a primary home to do so.

One thing you definitely want to make sure of before you quit your current position is that you won't be asked to sign a non-compete agreement that would prevent you from doing this on your own or with another wholesaling company. 

Also, there are certain privacy rules that may prevent them from sharing that. 

Hi Richard,Estoppel Certificates signed by the residents are used to prevent this.Good Luck!

DC just changed TOPA preventing this extortion for single family properties but the tenants find other ways.

Also you should have addendum's in place to prevent damages as well as have direct communication with the case worker to remove the culprit from the program if rules are broken.