Hi! I am looking to get started in real estate investing by using the house hacking strategy. I am 25 years old, living in the Greater Boston area. I'm very early in my process, so I would love to connect with as many people as I can to learn more about real estate. I'd appreciate any advice as well.
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 388 posts · 151 votes
8h
Quote from @Garrett Hirsch:
Hi! I am looking to get started in real estate investing by using the house hacking strategy. I am 25 years old, living in the Greater Boston area. I'm very early in my process, so I would love to connect with as many people as I can to learn more about real estate. I'd appreciate any advice as well.
Thanks!
@Garrett Hirsch, house hacking can be a great way to get your first experience as both an owner and a landlord. Since you’re still early in the process, I’d spend some time learning what makes a property work as a rental before getting too attached to a particular deal. The numbers matter, but so does choosing a property you can comfortably live in while renting part of it out.
I’ve worked with newer investors who were excited about the purchase but didn’t initially think much about the landlord side of the plan. Things like the lease, how the property will be shared, and your responsibilities once someone is paying you rent are much easier to think through before you buy.
It’s great that you’re starting by asking questions and connecting with people, @Garrett Hirsch. I’m a real estate attorney and investor, and I work with landlords and investors regularly, so I always enjoy connecting with people who are just getting started. Happy to stay connected as you learn more about the process.
Accountant · San Francisco, CA | Remote · Member since 2026 · 70 posts · 36 votes
8h
Welcome Garrett, house hacking is a great way to start, someone else helps cover your mortgage while you learn.
One tax thing worth tucking away early, since that is my world as a CPA: on a two to four unit, the side you rent out gets you write offs through depreciation even while you live there, and if you stay at least two years, a big chunk of the profit on your own side comes out tax free when you sell. Nothing to act on now, just good to know when you pick the first one.
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 388 posts · 151 votes
8h
Quote from @Garrett Hirsch:
Hi! I am looking to get started in real estate investing by using the house hacking strategy. I am 25 years old, living in the Greater Boston area. I'm very early in my process, so I would love to connect with as many people as I can to learn more about real estate. I'd appreciate any advice as well.
Thanks!
@Garrett Hirsch, house hacking can be a great way to get your first experience as both an owner and a landlord. Since you’re still early in the process, I’d spend some time learning what makes a property work as a rental before getting too attached to a particular deal. The numbers matter, but so does choosing a property you can comfortably live in while renting part of it out.
I’ve worked with newer investors who were excited about the purchase but didn’t initially think much about the landlord side of the plan. Things like the lease, how the property will be shared, and your responsibilities once someone is paying you rent are much easier to think through before you buy.
It’s great that you’re starting by asking questions and connecting with people, @Garrett Hirsch. I’m a real estate attorney and investor, and I work with landlords and investors regularly, so I always enjoy connecting with people who are just getting started. Happy to stay connected as you learn more about the process.
Garrett, you’re doing the right thing by learning and building your network before jumping into a deal. With house hacking, I’d focus heavily on understanding the numbers—purchase price, expected rents, taxes, insurance, repairs, reserves, and what the property looks like if one unit is vacant.
I’d also talk with a few lenders early so you understand what you qualify for and what financing options are available before you start making offers. That way, when the right property comes up, you’re already prepared instead of trying to figure out the funding afterward.
Keep connecting with investors, agents, lenders, contractors and property managers in the Boston area. The relationships you build now can make a big difference when you find your first deal.