But on the other hand we are already getting sick of paying this much for our rent which makes us really want to do a house hack and start building equity while lowering our rent.

While STRs can be more volatile, a well-chosen property in a strong location, especially near a college town or high-demand area (like the beach or mountains) can offer both cash flow and tax advantages while you gain hands-on experience managing a property.Good luck if you do decide to invest, there still are plenty of opportunities out there if you strategize and figure out what works best for your situation.

It’s a small Co-Op, 15 shareholders in total, and is well managed with plenty of reserves on hand, etc. looking for anyone who might be truly knowledgeable in this area, and would be willing to let me bounce some things off of them, to see if it makes sense.

Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:the most efficient software to usethe proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?

Quote from @Jimmy Rojas: Im a first time homebuyer, i been 1099 for 10yrs now, total monthly expenses $1500 , no debt, bring in $5k a month, experian credit score 745, looking to borrow no more than $200k maybe less, ideally $15k down payment , %6 or less interest,  monthly payments $1500 or less, what are my options and what route should i take. 

It’s been a total game changer for us.

We’ve been using Rentec direct for over five years and it is hands-down, my favorite landlord tool. hope it helps!

I did an ADU and pulled the permits for the ADU, then handed them over to the GC with the GC being the contact and licensed person in charge/contact. 

All arguments against a 50yr term speaking of the "risks" if a borrower defulats or needs to sell in yr 1-7, are total and utter nonsense.

Regardless of your level of plain/simple vs rustic vs fancy, you can do it for much less by just going to used furnishing stores (primarily).I used both 1) high-end second hand stores (meaning not primarily Goodwill and Salvation Army), and 2) lower level antiques stores where they have decent pieces for say < $500.