House Hacking

Live in one unit of a property while renting out the others to reduce or eliminate your housing costs.

Common Approaches

• Multi-family: Buy a duplex/triplex/quad, live in one unit, rent the rest
• Single-family: Rent out spare bedrooms or a basement apartment
• ADU: Build an accessory dwelling unit and rent it out

Why It's Powerful

• Qualifies for owner-occupied financing (3.5% down FHA, 5% conventional)
• Much lower barrier to entry than traditional investment properties
• Learn landlording while building equity
• Potential to live for free (or close to it)

FHA Multi-Family

FHA loans allow 2-4 unit properties with just 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. This is one of the most accessible paths into real estate investing.