What type of house hacking works in Hawaii? (realtor needed)

What type of house hacking works in Hawaii? (realtor needed)

Member since 2020 · 1 post · 1 vote

TLDR: Expert advice needed from house hacking investor and Hawaiian realtor!

I am moving to Oahu with my girlfriend and we want to take this opportunity to transition from renters to homeowners and from consumers to investors where through house hacking we would end each month cashflow positive. Or in other words, the rent received from house hacking would cover our housing costs (mortgage, property tax, insurance, repairs, utilities).

Upon research however Oahu seem to be a high cost and low cap rate area similar to SF where we currently live. I've struggled to find deals where a positive cash-on-cash return would be possible or even breakeven.

Expert advice needed

I am curious to hear from other investors what types of house hacking strategies has worked in Hawaii (or similar markets). 

Also I am looking for an experienced realtor on Oahu that has worked with investors and understand the investor mindset.

Type of house hacking strategies I am considering:

  • Multiple units (duplex, multi family home)
  • Single home with roommates (rent out extra bedrooms)
  • Single home with vacation rental (Airbnb extra bedrooms)

And here are my criteria:

  • Budget 60-75k downpayment
  • Eastern windward side of Oahu (Kailua and surrounding neighborhoods)
  • Renter or vacation goer friendly location
  • Lightweight rehab (no fixer)

Aloha!

Marvin

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Rental Property Investor · Oahu, HI · Member since 2018 · 77 posts · 42 votes
6y

@Marvin Bertin Would recommend reaching out to @Duc Ong to discuss. He's definitely been helpful as we've started on our journey to investing here on Oahu. 

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  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Walton Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 144 posts · 114 votes
    6y

    @Marvin Bertin Hey Marvin! I live on the Windward side of Oahu as well, and had the same criteria as you when I first arrived. Would love to help you out! Shooting you a PM. Shoots!

  • Rental Property Investor · Oahu, HI · Member since 2018 · 77 posts · 42 votes
    6y

    @Marvin Bertin Would recommend reaching out to @Duc Ong to discuss. He's definitely been helpful as we've started on our journey to investing here on Oahu. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2015 · 450 posts · 196 votes
    6y

    Thanks @Mindi Rosser!

    @Marvin Bertin I sent you a PM. Would love to chat more about your house hacking plans!

  • Real Estate Agent · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2017 · 53 posts · 8 votes
    4y

    @Marvin Bertin Hope you were able to find what you were looking! Wish I saw this sooner, I’m an investor and an agent.  Let me know if you have any questions about different strategies for the current market and market status.  I love chatting about real estate, especially with like minded people (investors).

  • New to Real Estate · Member since 2020 · 34 posts · 12 votes
    2y

    How is househacking in Oahu working out now in 2024?

  • Real Estate Agent · Honolulu, HI · Member since 2015 · 450 posts · 196 votes
    2y

    @Quiana Berry I think it still works in 2024 on Oahu. I like doing mid term rentals with the house hack. That, combined with light value add is a solid strategy. 

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