Can I get an FHA loan for a 5plex?

Question

Hello all,

First post on Bigger Pockets, love the podcasts and just starting to get into the community. I am 20, very interested in real estate as a form of income/tax shelter. I've done some cursory research as I graduate in a year and want to best position myself.

After graduating in January I will likely move in with my family for 6-9 months and be saving significantly. I would like to put some of that saving towards a downpayment on a multiplex, and given that a 5plex would be considered commercial and not residential, and this is where my interest lays, I think it would be an ideal fit. However, obviously these properties are very expensive. So, I am wondering if it would be possible to get an FHA loan for such a property. I would be in the NJ/NYC area for reference.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Best,

Larry

Ramon Cuevas · Answer

You're very welcome. House hacking is a very common term used here in BP, basically if you decide to buy a fourplex using FHA financing, you get to live in one of the units to meet the owner occupancy requirements and rent the other 3. Ideally, the rents from these other units should cover all of your expenses and you can maybe live rent free and also cash flow.

Larry Small · Answer

Thanks for the reply Ramon, interesting. Thanks for letting me know that commercial real estate doesn't qualify for FHA financing, that is disappointing, but makes sense. I will look into a house hack, can you maybe tell me a bit more about that? I fully intend on going to networking events in the area of the summer. Commercial real estate is where its at

Ramon Cuevas · Answer

Welcome to BP, Larry. As you stated in your post anything over 4 units is considered commercial and would not qualify for FHA financing. I think a good idea would be to try and find a fourplex, buy it using an FHA loan and house hack for a year. During that time learn everything that you can about commercial real estate and start to build relationships with people who are already doing what you want to do.