Hi all!

I'm looking for any and all advice I can get on preparing, searching for, and finding my first property. I'm hoping to find a successful house hack somewhere in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas with my commute being to Anaheim. I'm likely going to need to finance with a FHA and a family member co-signer/borrower.

I know this is a very difficult and very hot market and based on preliminary research a duplex likely won't cut it but triplex and 4-plexes may be unaffordable when it comes to even a 3.5% downpayment and PMI fees. I don't necessarily expect to cover my mortgage but want to supplement my cost of living while building equity.

I'm extremely new to this and realize I may realistically still be a couple years out from pulling the trigger but I want to be making meaningful steps towards what I need to do to be ready. Any tips on learning the market, local laws, and another advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!