House Hacking 101: Live for Free While Building Equity

House hacking — buying a 2–4 unit property, living in one unit, and renting the others — combines owner-occupant financing (3–5% down, FHA / conventional) with rental income that often covers the mortgage entirely.

The math compounds: lower housing cost, faster savings rate, and a first investment property that converts to a pure rental after 12 months.

Look for properties where the non-owner units' combined rent meets or exceeds 80% of PITI. Verify zoning and that the listed rents match Section 8 / market comps.