Great play, becoming a bigger and bigger fan of this considering the cost of old inventory. 

Stability vs upside:Pilsen will likely continue to appreciate faster, proximity to downtown, 18th Street development, and strong rental demand, but that comes with volatility: higher taxes, ongoing gentrification debates, and limited long-term rental affordability.Avondale, on the other hand, is more stable, solid tenant base, steady growth, and most properties there have already been hit with their reassessments.

Hey if you had 1,000 dollars to invest in real estate what would be the most efficient route you would take ? 

As borrowing rates come down, asset prices will go up and wealth (DOLLARS) will continue to be originated at an astronomical rate.

Should I invest the money I plan on using for a down payment into the stock market while I continue to save?

Hey man, great question — both Fayetteville and Raleigh NC can work really well for what you’re trying to do, but they play very different roles.Fayetteville is perfect for getting started with a VA loan — tons of military-friendly lenders, affordable duplexes, and strong rental demand from other service members and contractors.

Its nothing but a speculative play on an investment that literally has no value unless more people continue to buy it.

Playing devil's advocate here, credits will be tricky in this scenario especially as its hard to quantify.

From your general perspective, how might this approach play out with house hacking?

There’s so much potential ahead as policy continues to swing in favor of this type of much needed "middle housing".