House Hacking Guide
The most powerful wealth-building strategy for first-time buyers. Live for free, build equity, and become a real estate investor.
What is House Hacking?
House hacking is a strategy where you buy a multifamily property (2-4 units), live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rental income from your tenants pays for your mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
It allows you to acquire an investment asset with a low down payment owner-occupant loan (like FHA), effectively bypassing the high capital requirements of traditional investing.
The Math is Simple
How to Get Started
Pre-Approval
Get approved for an FHA or Conventional loan with 3.5-5% down.
Find a Deal
Identify 2-4 unit properties in Volusia County with strong rental potential.
Move In
Close on the property and move into one of the units as your primary residence.
Rent & Manage
Place tenants in the other units and start collecting rent checks.
Ways to House Hack
Multifamily
Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. Most privacy, highest income.
Rent by Room
Buy a single family home and rent out spare bedrooms.
ADU / In-Law
Buy a home with a separate guest house or basement apartment.
Live-In Flip
Live in a fixer-upper, renovate it, and sell tax-free after 2 years.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Underestimating repair costs and capex reserves
Buying in a neighborhood with low rental demand
Not screening tenants thoroughly enough
Ignoring local zoning and short-term rental laws