If your primary is cheap then you should have enough income to finance them. 

We love it here in California, but do not think it's appropriate to buy here, since I could get multiple income generating properties for the amount I would need to purchase our primary residence here.  

With luck you could duck your head in and check out the premises.

I usually tell people to buy themselves a primary home first.

@Mike Osterman I'm looking in several of the stronger south and southeast markets, but my primary focus is on the major Texas markets. 

Of course, I wasn't house hacking, and already own a primary residence in Eugene.  

I'm just curious if others look at their primary residents as an investment and treat it that way.

Your primary home isn't an investment, it's an expense. 

As a first investment would I be better off living in as my primary for a year to get the wheels rolling and gain experience? 

Is this your primary residence you want the loan on?