But what's the end goal... to have one (or more) month of vacancy reserves at the end of the first year?

@Lee Burns  I think you were addressing your post above to me, so I'll take a shot at it. . .My reasoning is that a sandwich lease carries additional risk that might prove burdensome for a new investor, particularly a new investor with limited cash reserves. 

I always recommend that people have at least enough money left over in reserves to cover at least one cap-ex expense and/or 6 months of mortgage, insurance and tax payments (PITI). 

I was hoping to see if there were any investors or wholesalers around the area that I could potentially bird dog for and maybe learn the ropes that way while I can build some can reserves to get into my first rental property or flip.Also looking to network in the area and see if anyone could kind of give me some pointers on where to start.

I also found myself eager to start and realized I had a downpayment, but if used that would have no reserves!

Sometimes there is a predatory nature here on BP, be careful. 

I keep about $5k-10k in reserves per rental property.Good luck!

Cash reserves would be required. 

Because federal law also allows lenders to collect a 16.6% Reserve amount (16.6% of the annual amount of taxes and insurance) this also created fluctuations.

I am a real estate agent and not a lender so I would speak to a lender to confirm before making the decision.House hacking is mainly desired as a means to acquire long term rentals with a low down payment loan product reserved for owner occupants.