House hacking newbie

Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 12 votes

Hello BP needing some advice. Currently I am pre approved conventionally but cant find any small multi family in my price range. There are some a bit more that I am approved for but I'm wanting to stay under 200k if possible.i even been looking in low income areas in fort worth but no luck really. All I'm able to find are deals outside fort worth like Ennis ,waco , witchita falls ,ECT. I'm looking for a mortgage payment I know I can handle myself in worst case scenario.

this would be my first purchase, any ideas on what to do and how to find them ?

My goal is house hacking.

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Jake AndronicoBusiness Member

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

@Jaylin Warner

Congrats!! Awesome way to think. I've house hacked twice in Reno, NV and it's completely changed my life.

Explore using seller credits to aggressively buy down your rate to make the payment more comfortable.

It sounds like the payment is more important to you than the price.

Here's my story, and what I regret house hacking starting at 22 years old:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous...

415-233-1796

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Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
1y
@Jaylin Warner
Congrats!! Awesome way to think. I've house hacked twice in Reno, NV and it's completely changed my life.
Explore using seller credits to aggressively buy down your rate to make the payment more comfortable.
It sounds like the payment is more important to you than the price.
Here's my story, and what I regret house hacking starting at 22 years old:
https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous...
415-233-1796
2 Reply
Preston DeanBusiness Member
Realtor · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2021 · 779 posts · 368 votes
1y
Hi @Jaylin Warner
Kind of like we have been texting about there aren't any multi family properties in the area.
Maybe we can start to look at houses with a guest house? or are you interested in renting by the room? We need to get the purchase price closer to $230K to find anything in this area really
[email protected]817-480-9452
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Myka Artis
Rental Property Investor · Arlington, TX · Member since 2016 · 706 posts · 611 votes
1y
Congrats on getting started, Jaylin! Yes, it's going to be hard to find that price point in the DFW market unless you go to outskirt cities, like the ones you just named. Another option is to explore direct mail, cold calling, or networking with a few wholesalers and inform them of your buy box. Your best bet at that price point is to find something off-market.
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Kyle HendricksPro Member
Lender · Member since 2021 · 172 posts · 74 votes
1y
It sounds like targeting off market properties could be your best bet here. If payment is a big factor for you, then asking the seller to pay for either a permanent buydown or temporary buydown can make a big difference as well. If multis are hard to come by, then finding unique properties that are zoned SFR but have multiple living spaces / basements / ADU's can also be a good route.
[email protected]253-355-0247
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Wale LawalBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
@Jaylin Warner
You're thinking the right way by prioritizing a manageable mortgage and aiming for house hacking—it’s a smart first move. Under $200K for a small multifamily in Fort Worth is extremely tough in today’s market, but expanding to secondary markets like Ennis, Waco, or Wichita Falls is a solid strategy, especially if the numbers work and you’re willing to live there. Another idea is to consider a single-family home with a rentable garage apartment or a layout that could be split—sometimes this creates the same financial result as a duplex. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction with local listings, off-market options, and ways to creatively make house hacking work with your budget.
Good luck!
Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.
[email protected]832-776-9582 Podcast Guest on Show #469
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Yoni Kaszynski
Member since 2024 · 6 posts · 3 votes
1y
I do rent by room in WA state. If you are looking for a rent by room house hack in Fort Worth I would be careful, I've heard stories of the City of Fort Worth code enforcement aggressively shutting these down.
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Michael GormanBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Punta Gorda Florida · Member since 2025 · 22 posts · 9 votes
1y
House hacking is a great way to get started. You mentioned preparing for worst case scenario, and that makes a lot of sense to consider. When you think about those potential down side risks, make sure you are writing them down and being systematic about understanding the totality of the risks. Even if you are thorough you are likely to miss one or two or underestimate some of the ones you do identify. Step 2 there is to work with some experienced folks ideally with house hacking experience, but typically other real estate investors or good agent/property manager will talk through what you've identified.
Once you have all the risks identified, then is the time to think through and work with others on how to mitigate those risks. Mitigation of risk is the key - if you are worried about excessive repair costs or extended vacancies others have been too and can help you solve for those risks. It seems like you are being patient, diligent, and disciplined - all great things that will help you mitigate those risks and not let them hold you back too long.
Happy to talk through your process and work on those risks with you. Good luck.
[email protected]
Michael Gorman
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Brendan Mullenholz
Real Estate Agent · Washington, DC · Member since 2025 · 157 posts · 77 votes
1y
Start looking for off markets, and getting seller help if the payment is of importance. Don't write off anything that needs work if you're on a tight budget.
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Rick Albert
Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
There are a couple of things (keeping in mind I don't know your market specifically):
1. Have you looked at past sales to see if what you want/need is realistic? By looking at past sales (either through Zillow or your Realtor), you can see what these MFU are actually trading for and if anything has within your budget. Don't go chasing something that doesn't exist.
2. There may be nothing wrong with going to the "outskirts." One of the best appreciation moves is to buy just outside of a desirable area. As people get priced out, you are next. I've done that twice now in Los Angeles and worked well for me.
3. You are likely going to have to take some level of risk. That's part of it. I can appreciate you wanting to stay within your budget and you should get as close as possible. But if there is something that makes sense financially, it might be worth taking a small leap.
4. Have you looked at aged listings? These are homes that have been sitting on the market. For example something might be on the market at $230,000 but has been sitting there for 90 days. They might take $200K.
5. This is going to sound ridiculous but hear me out: what about new construction? Yes, more expensive, BUT the theory is you can rent out right away, no work is needed up front, your capital expenditures (HVAC, roof, plumbing, etc.) will be low considering it is brand new, and some builders might have financial incentives and warranties. Something to consider.
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