House Hack a Fourplex in an odd location

[Justin Swain]

Hi , I am looking at a fourplex that I plan on using my FHA loan on to house hack for my first property. The location of the fourplex is located on a dead end street with about 20 of identical fourplexs' on both sides of the street, which seems odd to me . The location of the fourplex also isn't the best as it's on a rougher street . I am worried about the look and tenants of other fourplexes' along that street having an effect on the value and tenants I am able to get . Is that a rational fear ?

[Laura Shinkle]

Hey Justin, good thoughts here. Some questions for ya: 

1. Do YOU feel comfortable living there? Remember that as a househack, you have to live there for a year. Nothing is worth putting yourself in a house where you don't feel safe or good. 

2. What's the rental history/comps of the fourplexes on the street and neighborhood? Are they going up, down, staying on the market a long time, etc? That will give you an idea of how people are reacting to the area. 

3. Are the other fourplexes not well maintained? I don't think having similar type housing in the same area/neighborhood is a bad thing. However, if the other ones aren't being maintained well and you're the nicest one in the neighborhood, that might worry me.