House Hack

What is house hacking?

House hacking is a strategy where a buyer lives in one portion of a property while renting out the other rooms or units, allowing the rental income to offset—sometimes even fully cover—the mortgage and living expenses. It’s one of the most effective ways for new investors and first-time buyers to enter the real estate market with lower out-of-pocket costs while building equity and cash flow.

This portfolio presents ideal house-hacking opportunities because many of the properties already have steady, stable tenants in place, giving buyers immediate income from day one. With supplemental rental income documentation, buyers can often qualify for higher financing amounts, lower their debt-to-income ratio, and strengthen loan approval—making the purchase more attainable and financially efficient.

Over time, house hacking becomes a powerful wealth-building tool: owners benefit from mortgage pay-down by tenants, long-term appreciation, the ability to raise rents or add units (including ADUs in some cases), and the option to eventually convert the property into a full rental. For buyers looking to grow their real estate portfolio with minimal risk and maximum upside, these properties offer a rare combination of affordability, strong rental history, and long-term investment potential.

701 Galapago St
4580 - 4582 W Alameda Ave
3440 W Custer Pl