New to Real Estate · WA · Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 16 votes
What are a few Midwest markets I should consider analyzing for house hacking a multi-family property? My partner and I both travel for work and are planning to relocate to take assignments near the market we want to invest in. We have considered Iowa (Iowa City or Des Moines), as his family lives in that state. We are open to other states and cities since we can live and work anywhere in the US. Any suggestions are appreciated!
House hacking is one of the best ways to get started, and the Midwest has plenty of solid options. Iowa City and Des Moines are both stable markets, but I’d also take a look at Toledo, Detroit, and maybe even Indianapolis. You can still find affordable multi-families that cash flow well, in decent neighborhoods.
I’m based in Dallas but invest in Toledo and Detroit, and both have been great for long-term rentals. Happy to share what I’ve learned from those markets if you’re exploring outside Iowa.
@Erica Davis fellow former househacker in Des Moines. There are many things to consider when house hacking. I'm in Des Moines and the metro consists of multiple cities and theyall have different rental license rules to follow. As a house hacker, those rules are different when you live there, but when you move out they may change. So you'll need to be versed in that. (happy to help jump on a call anytime).
Also long term goal is important as you can imagine. Do you want to just do it 1 year, do you want something on the lower price range for a year and then mvoe to a larger nicer house hack (this is what I wish I would have done). There are some nicer duplexes in the area that are nicer than some single family homes!
Anyway, you are asking the right questions! Keep it up!
Hello Erica, thank you for posting this! I'm really eager to learn on this topic as I know very little. I'm currently working to secure my first small multi family property in Salt Lake County and this is really interesting.
I wish you the very best of luck and look forward to learning what success and lessons you learn along the way.
Thank you once again for posting this and have a great weekend!