House Hacking: Buy Your First Multifamily and Live (Almost) Free

What if your tenants paid most of your mortgage? That is house hacking.

You buy a small multifamily property (2 to 4 units), live in one unit, and rent out the others. The rent from your neighbors covers most — sometimes all — of your mortgage.

Why it is powerful for first-timers

• Owner-occupants can use low-down-payment loans (FHA at 3.5%, VA at 0%) on up to 4 units.

• You slash or eliminate your biggest monthly expense: housing.

• You become a real estate investor and a homeowner at the same time.

• After a year you can move out, keep it as a rental, and do it again.

What to watch

You are now a landlord and a neighbor. Screen tenants well, budget for repairs and vacancies, and run the numbers conservatively before you buy.

Your first property does not have to be your dream home. It has to be a smart financial move.

Educational content, not financial advice. Talk to a licensed professional about your situation.