Hey BP! I'm a new investor in the Seattle area. I have a W-2 job and just purchased a duplex in Seattle that I'm house hacking in. I'd like to chat and learn from local investors.

Hi Craig! Welcome to BP. 

That's awesome I loveee the house hack strategy especially in this market!

Shoot me a DM if you have any questions or if there's any thing I can help with. 

Natalie

Welcome to BiggerPockets Craig and best of luck investing!

Welcome to BP & congrats on your investment!

What ultimately helped you decide to take the plunge and purchase an REI property?

Welcome! Would love to hear more about your deal. I'm looking to do something like this in Seattle, as well.

How did you estimate the repairs needed? I feel very rushed to waive contingencies and put in an order quickly in the Seattle market. 

Originally posted by @Julie Santosuosso :

How did you estimate the repairs needed? I feel very rushed to waive contingencies and put in an order quickly in the Seattle market. 

My realtor gave me a general idea and my wife's dad was a contractor, so we had a general idea. We conservatively estimated since it's always more than the original estimate. Are you buying off the MLS?

When we were buying to live in the place before becoming an "investor" we were waiving the contingencies to compete with the all cash offers in the Seattle area.

Bigger Pockets also has a book called Estimating Rehab Costs.