This part of town seems to offer more affordable options while still being relatively safe and convenient for students.The goal is to:Provide housing for our daughter and her friends starting January 2026 (spring semester).Structure the purchase as a primary residence, so we can qualify for better mortgage terms.Include myself, my husband, and my daughter on the mortgage application to strengthen our position and meet the owner-occupied requirement.Convert the property to a full rental down the road once she graduates.We think the $30,000 should cover a 5–10% down payment plus closing costs under the primary residence structure, and the property would serve as both a short-term housing solution and a long-term investment.Would love advice from the community on:Does this sound like a smart way to combine student housing with a first-time real estate investment?

Amir — first off, props for thinking this through at 22.

It’s not when you start that matters, there’s no perfect time or bad time.What matters is the decision(s) you make.Your first move should be a househack.

While this is not my first time managing a major renovation, this one appears to be the most extensive one yet.

First time home buyer for sure.

I was interested in this deal because it had a decent layout, 1.5 bathrooms, good square footage, good price point for me and the ARV was great for first time home buyers.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Different banks have different first time home buyer programs, so I would call around and ask lenders this question.

I live in Oklahoma but am looking to 1031 exchange for a STR in the Fort Walton to PCB area.  Those of you that have done this before please help me decide which way to go for the best returns.  There are so many opti...

Hi Juan, I also agree with others that house hacking is a great strategy to use on your first.

That is one of the ways to satisfy the 12 month occpuancy issues on FHA because at the time of refinance you convert into a conventional loan.You only need to be at an 85% LTV up to a 4 unit building 85% Rate/term and 80% LTV if your trying to take cash out.