House Hacking, Only if I live for free?

[CherTong Her]

I'm looking to house hack, but everywhere I'm seeing typically says I need to cash flow in order to "successfully" house hack. Do I absolutely need to pay zero dollars for all my expenses to "successfully" house hack or can I still pay a portion of my mortgage to be on my way to freedom? I'm literally days away from potentially buying and would appreciate some help. Some numbers below 260k Duplex 2bed1bath each side Mortgage - 1750 @ FHA 3.5% (roughly) Rent 1200 (one side) both units have potential to finish basement to add additional bed/bath, would bump rents up to 1450

[Ben Leybovich]

Guys, the other big piece that everyone seems to be missing is this:

Most of you think of House hacking as the ultimate inconvenience that you will only subject yourself to because it's the only way you can afford to live...

I see it differently. I bought an expensive house in a growth market. Why? Because I was looking to 10X my life, and House hacking is just a tool to subsidize my lifestyle just the same as cash flow from any other rental.

Am I covering 100% of my cost of being here? No. But, I am here for less than what it cost me to stay where I was before, and considering the total upgrade of everything I'll gladly pay the little bit. Take a look or hop on over to my site for more discussion of this.

House hacking is the best opportunity for most of you guys right now!