My recommendations for house hackers right now are townhomes in particular NOVA locations.  

I own 2 apartment buildings in The Annapolis valley Nova Scotia.

Quote from @Henrry Novas: @Jay HinrichsGotcha, Thanks for sharing:1.

To rent the home, I would lose about $2,500 per month (based on comparable rents in my area, property management fees, etc).Both options loose the same amount by roughly 2 years, and by this time, I still will not have built up much more equity in the home to make selling it a break even unless there is price appreciation by then.My dilemma is this: I speculate that my home will not appreciate much in the next 3-5 years due to the rapid pace of development in the surrounding area.In 5-10+ years, maybe, but by then I'll have bled $150,000 - $300,000.I have thought about this a lot and feel that I mar'-too close to the problem to see the best solution.

Quote from @Daniel Amsalem: If you have an Airbnb in DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia (NOVA) or want to, I'd ask you provide feedback to the City of Alexandria regarding their proposed regulations.Regulations: https://www.alexandriava.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/sho...Feedback Form: https://www.research.net/r/AlexandriaVA-ShortTermRentalsAlexandria sets the example for all of DMV as the most permissible county/region. 

Other areas nearby that are great include, Cardiff, Encinitas and Del Mar. 

Rtp nova project - all principal at risk (failed project)?

agree with russell, first you are not gonna find a property at 70% ARV anywhere near DC (whether NOVA or MoCo or other parts of MD).

Renting, like hiring an employee, taking on a business partner or client and marring (even more so), are relationships that can be costly if made hastily or imprudently.Like others, I have check lists that I do not deviate from. 

Jan - Mar is brutally cold with lots of snow so very few tourists.