The house hacking guide idea: buy a small multifamily (or a home with rentable space), live in part of it, and let the rent offset your payment—often with a smaller down payment.
House hacking formats
- Duplex/triplex/quad (live in one unit, rent the others)
- Room rentals (house share)
- ADU / basement unit (where legal)
Minimal-down approach (conceptual)
- Use owner-occupant financing options where you qualify.
- Underwrite rents conservatively and keep reserves.
- Plan your move-out: once you leave, does it still cash flow?
Common beginner pitfalls
- Underestimating management (you’re living next to tenants).
- Buying major deferred maintenance as your first deal.
- Assuming perfect occupancy—budget vacancy and capex from day one.