I also live in KC and have 4 flips going too. 

Developing connections with regional authorities can yield helpful information, recommendations, and market insights.Participate on Social Media: On sites like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, follow influencers, real estate investors, and professionals in the field.

Over the span of 5 years you will have paid $77,220 towards rent.However, you're $22,500 downpayment invested into the S&P index fund at our assumed rate of 10.13% compounded annually will be worth $36,236.48Leaving you a net living cost of $36,236.48 - $77,200 = ($40,963.52)Overall numbers after 5 years of house hacking:Expenses include: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, Repairs/Maintenance, and Private Mortgage Insurance.You will have paid $164,239.76 towards your principal and interestYou will have paid an estimated $20,914 in property taxes and insuranceYou will have paid $5,400 in private mortgage insuranceYou will have paid an estimated $10,859 towards repairs and maintenanceFor a total expense of: $164,239.76 + $20,914 + $5,400 + $10,859 = $201,412.76However, here are the positives to your net worth: Appreciation, Loan Paydown, Rent payments from TenantsYou're home will have appreciated to an estimated value of 560,7812 an increase of $110,782You will have paid down your loan by $26,742Your tenants will have paid $154,439 in total rentThe total benefits add up to: $110,781.87 + $26,742 + $154,439 = $291,962.87House Hacking net worth boosters minus expenses = $291,962.87 - $201,412.76 = $90,550.11(The home equity for year five is calculated using the downpayment + appreciation + loan paydown)House Hacking Vs RentingHouse Hacking net worth after 5 years: $90,550.11Renting net worth after 5 years: ($40,963.52)Leaving you a net worth benefit of $90,550.11 - ($40,963.52) = $131,513.63Here is a screenshot from our calculator on the difference in monthly payments between Renting vs House HackingThe winner is clear.

Do I have to live there in the home for a certain period before applying? 

(Side note I do live in a small town so may have to look in the larger city of Columbus which is an hour away, I've even thought of buying a home and offering it to a full time employee to move to this area but not sure if that would just create more headaches in the long run)

He's based out of Boiling Springs, but lives in Greenville.https://www.benmasoninsurance.com/

Factor in social security and any other investments and you're sitting comfortably if you don't have personal debts going into your 60s.

Reality is that repurposing a tin can into living space is expensive.

It allows you to put less down, learn all about real estate while living in the property, and potentially reduce your living expenses.There are different ways to house hack as well, so if you're interested in becoming a landlord, you could try buying a 3 family (for example) and see if you like it.

I live in a luxury building in Manhattan.