Room Rentals, House Hacking

[Peter Bendorf]

I am an airline pilot that has been looking at alternative income streams as my professional job is not always a stable job market. I have started doing rental properties since 2022 after moving out of my first home. I didn't want to sell it because I had only lived there a year and new I would take a loss with agent fees etc. Looked into having it be a short-term rental and became more interested than ever at real estate investing. I now have three properties in my system and love providing good quality housing for traveling professionals. I manage two properties myself and have grown so much through the experience. Dealing with the problems that have risen has been a hassle and a pleasure. Coming into 2025, I am looking at growing my operation and improving the quality of the products I have made available to growing client list. 

[Jaron Walling]

@Peter Bendorf My brother is on track to become a commercial pilot and just passed his multi-engine rating test. Seems like a great career! 

Where do you live and do you own a primary residence now? 

Where are these properties located? How and why are you self managing if you're a pilot? That sounds like a massive headache if you travel a lot for work. Rental management is easy but it's not passive. It still takes up your bandwidth and time. It may not be the best use of your time. Something to think about in 2025. 

Rent by the room and house hacking is "fun" for about 12 months. RBTR is management intensive (tenants coming and going) and house-hacking is great if you don't have kids and don't mind living next to tenants. Generally speaking it's a newer investor/ first time buyer strategy. You have three properties so I'd think you're beyond exploring those.  

I'd be aiming to BRRRR (some cash in the deal) or flip RE with your cash or a partner in 2025.