@Phillip CostaThe philly market will always be resilient and strong for the east coast its one of the last affordable major cities with access to both NYC & DC.

oh yeah this is in Olympia WA

I'm looking to buy a house hack and I found a property that I am interested in in Washington State and I'd hope to sell this one within 3-5 years. 

It would take 20+ years of negative cash flow to equal cash already out the door.There is a sweet spot but numbers are not the only thing, you need to weigh the risk and many other factors such as property location potential for appreciation, property condition...A property in Pittsburgh area with 20% down and 100/month cash flow is not a good deal but if that was in DC you would be celebrating by doing backflips.So lots to ponder but key is never over leverage

I am 25 years old and currently in the United States Army and am stationed at Joint Base Lewis - McChord, Washington.

In some states chasing foreclosures is frowned upon or even illegal (Washington State) and everywhere you need to follow the S.A.F.E. act. https://nationwidelicensingsys..   

My geographic focus is large Sunbelt metros, but I am physically located in Los Angeles, and my partners are in Washington DC.

I began buying properties in Spokane Wa, about 10 years ago. 

I live overseas and have out-of-state properties in Oregon, VA and DC.  

@Akmal WazeerPick a state that you’ll like living in and preferably one that has no state income taxes.States with no income taxes:Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.