Boosting Cash Flow - Is renting by the room worth it??

Boosting Cash Flow - Is renting by the room worth it??

Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes

Renting by the room can be AWESOME for boosting cash flow, but it can also be more maintenance, management, and drama.  

Here is a quick case study: 


I bought this property in Reno, NV for $356,900

Looking at rental comps for this specific property - it's estimated to rent for around $2,500 per month.

However, upon purchasing, I knew there was a strong demand in this area for students renting by the room. It's a 5 minute drive from the University, and has ample parking because of the fairly large driveway. It also happens to be in a cul de sac. 

After house hacking and moving out, this property now rents for $3,300 per month (and is still slightly under market). 

I've been continuously reinvesting the cash flow back into the property, as it's a house from the 70's. 

There's definitely been some drama, trash, etc. However, in my opinion the small increase in headache (I self-manage) is well worth the significant increase in rent. 

Curious to hear if anyone else rents by the room, and what their experience is! 

4Reply
17 views

Most Popular Reply

Real Estate Agent · Gardnerville · Member since 2023 · 9 posts · 10 votes
2y

Hello Jake,

I wanted to express how truly inspiring your post is. Your willingness to share your experience with renting by the room, coupled with your ability to self-manage and reinvest in the property, is commendable. While I'm relatively new to real estate investing, I've been exploring the idea of house hacking and renting by the room in the UNR area as well, especially with many of my friends starting there this year. I've recently acquired my real estate license and am working towards my goal of purchasing my first investment property in the coming years.

See this reply in the discussion

5 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 811 posts · 578 votes
    2y

    Jake, 

    Thanks for sharing.

    The photos you shared of the property look awesome. 

    I've never rented by the room but it is something that I am considering to get my foot in the door. My significant other and I want to house hack our first deal and are trying to determine if renting by the room or by the unit makes more sense for our strategy. 

    Ultimately, all that matters is how the numbers stack up once we move out. 

  • Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
    OP
    Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
    2y

    @Benjamin Sulka

    Thanks man! 

    Yes, I was single at the time and was willing to do basically anything to make it work. 

    Renting by the room can be super powerful. Some newer homes (especially single level) sometimes are designed in a much more favorable way (in-law like suites, etc.) 

    But hey if your SO is on board that is amazing!!

  • Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 811 posts · 578 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Jake Andronico:

    @Benjamin Sulka

    Thanks man! 

    Yes, I was single at the time and was willing to do basically anything to make it work. 

    Renting by the room can be super powerful. Some newer homes (especially single level) sometimes are designed in a much more favorable way (in-law like suites, etc.) 

    But hey if your SO is on board that is amazing!!


     It might take some convincing... Lol. 

    Thanks so much for sharing your experience. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Gardnerville · Member since 2023 · 9 posts · 10 votes
    2y

    Hello Jake,

    I wanted to express how truly inspiring your post is. Your willingness to share your experience with renting by the room, coupled with your ability to self-manage and reinvest in the property, is commendable. While I'm relatively new to real estate investing, I've been exploring the idea of house hacking and renting by the room in the UNR area as well, especially with many of my friends starting there this year. I've recently acquired my real estate license and am working towards my goal of purchasing my first investment property in the coming years.

  • Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
    OP
    Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
    2y

    @David Hochgurtel

    Congrats man!! Happy to chat anytime. 

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.