I think that would be a networking-hacking strategy that a Tim Ferriss might use.Something to consider!

My goals include wanting to house hack and build up to the point of buying more properties for long time rentals.

I started with a duplex too - and did "house hacking" when it was not called "house hacking".

The wife is open to doing some house hacking.

I'm renting out a room which helps with mortgage but I'm not quite house hacking.

I am planning on house hacking and have been searching for a room by room lease agreement.

That being said, house-hacking in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Long Island has worked out very well for folks with FHA loans.

And I’m not sure what your personal situation is like but house-hacking works very well here if that’s an option for your next purchase.

My partner and I are moving to the city soon (Burlington VT) and are going to be house hacking in a fairly small apt on one side of a duplex we are going to purchase. 

@Stephanie Sicard I have more expertise with investment properties than with personal residences or house hacks, but my general philosophy with either is that I want to work with an agent that's an expert in the area that they're working in.