Home » Forum » Topics

Is house hacking a multi-family property still worth it in this market?

real estatehouse hackinginvestinglandlording
avatar
Hristo_Plovdiv
Joined:
01.10.2020
Posts: 610
Topic Starter
21.01.2025 10:32
I've been looking into buying a duplex to live in one unit and rent out the other to cover my mortgage. With interest rates where they are, the numbers are getting pretty tight and I'm worried about the maintenance costs eating up any potential cash flow. Has anyone here actually done this recently, and do you feel the tax benefits and equity gain outweigh the headache of being a landlord to your neighbor? I'm trying to figure out if it's a smart long-term move or if I'm just setting myself up for a stressful situation.
20 replies in this topic
avatar
Zuzi_P
Joined:
07.01.2020
Posts: 1037
10.02.2025 15:05
Honestly, at these interest rates, you have to be very careful with your numbers. Don't rely on future appreciation to save a bad deal.
avatar
jacek_bg
Joined:
14.08.2024
Posts: 2404
26.02.2025 20:45
In reply to a previous post
I did this in 2022 and honestly, the tax benefits are great, but being a landlord to your neighbor is definitely a unique kind of stress.
avatar
Alan_K
Joined:
29.12.2023
Posts: 2014
03.04.2025 05:47
It's worth it if you plan to stay for at least 5-7 years. If you're looking for a quick flip or short-term cash flow, you'll be disappointed.
avatar
nabludatel_x
Joined:
20.03.2023
Posts: 834
05.05.2025 08:08
In reply to a previous post
Have you accounted for a 10% vacancy rate and a 10% maintenance reserve? If the numbers are tight *without* those, walk away.
avatar
Milos_S
Joined:
08.10.2023
Posts: 754
01.06.2025 01:16
I think house hacking is still the best way for a regular person to build wealth, even in a high-rate environment.
avatar
redoven
Joined:
04.11.2023
Posts: 1086
17.06.2025 15:05
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the previous comment. Even if you break even monthly, you're still paying down principal and getting tax write-offs.
avatar
Oli_S
Joined:
24.06.2021
Posts: 1969
25.06.2025 04:50
Being a landlord is a second job. Are you prepared to fix a leaky toilet on a Sunday night while your tenant complains?
avatar
Oliviya_T
Joined:
03.09.2020
Posts: 1807
01.07.2025 08:46
In reply to a previous post
Exactly, that's the part nobody mentions. The 'headache' is real, but it beats paying 100% of the rent for someone else's mortgage.
avatar
Marius_C
Joined:
08.02.2021
Posts: 1261
27.07.2025 14:04
Have you considered a house hack with a single-family home and renting out rooms instead? Might be less maintenance than a duplex.
avatar
Igor_Tech
Joined:
16.04.2020
Posts: 1751
06.08.2025 08:05
In reply to a previous post
That's a good point, but living with roommates is a different level of headache compared to a separate unit in a duplex.
avatar
tech_geek_bg
Joined:
22.07.2021
Posts: 1829
12.08.2025 13:40
If the numbers are tight, look for properties that need cosmetic work but are structurally sound. That's where the real value is.
avatar
Viktoria_S
Joined:
16.03.2022
Posts: 435
18.09.2025 05:20
I've been looking for months and everything in my area is priced for perfection. It's really hard to find a deal that makes sense right now.
avatar
Hubo_K
Joined:
27.03.2021
Posts: 871
06.10.2025 22:05
In reply to a previous post
Don't get discouraged! Keep making low-ball offers. Eventually, a motivated seller will bite.
avatar
monika_p
Joined:
07.02.2023
Posts: 831
22.10.2025 23:50
The equity gain is what keeps me going. Even if I don't see a dime of cash flow, I'm gaining thousands in principal paydown every year.
avatar
monika_p
Joined:
25.06.2022
Posts: 1199
22.10.2025 23:54
Is it worth it? Yes. Is it easy? Absolutely not. You have to be okay with sacrifice for a few years.
avatar
monika_p
Joined:
21.07.2021
Posts: 1494
27.01.2026 02:01
In reply to a previous post
I'd rather have a 'stressful' situation that builds me a down payment for my next home than pay rent to a landlord forever.
avatar
lubopiten_k
Joined:
22.04.2022
Posts: 2016
12.02.2026 23:34
Make sure you screen your tenants like your life depends on it. A bad neighbor will make you want to sell in a month.
avatar
Selekcioner
Joined:
08.07.2025
Posts: 2134
06.03.2026 19:45
In reply to a previous post
Exactly, a bad tenant can wipe out a year's worth of profit in one eviction process.
avatar
Sofiya_G
Joined:
22.04.2022
Posts: 2375
21.03.2026 00:45
The market is cyclical. If you hold long enough, the interest rates will eventually drop and you can refinance.
avatar
Fabi_W
Joined:
23.02.2023
Posts: 2441
12.04.2026 15:58
Wait for the market to cool down a bit more. I think we'll see better inventory in the spring.

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.