All Forum Posts by: Nitin Chhabra

Hello, 

I’m a 39-year-old first-time homebuyer based in the DFW area with two school-aged kids. My budget for a single-family home is $700k–$750k (planning to put 20% down), and I have a separate savings pool set aside for real estate investing. I’ve been actively searching for several months, have a pre-approval letter, and am working with a good agent, but I haven’t found the right home yet. My main requirements are: • At least 2 bedrooms downstairs (for family needs) • Within a 30-minute commute to my office • Family-friendly area Given my goal to start investing in real estate soon, I’m considering two options: • Option 1: Buy a 2–4 unit multifamily property (duplex, triplex, or fourplex), live in one unit (house hack), and rent out the others. This would let me both secure a home and start investing right away, while continuing to look for a single-family home without pressure. • Option 2: Buy a single-family home first for my family, then look for a multifamily investment property later. Currently, I’m renting an apartment and paying $2,600/month. For families in a similar situation or experienced investors in DFW: • What are the pros and cons of house hacking with a small multifamily as a first purchase in this market, especially with kids? • Would you recommend prioritizing the single-family home for stability, or is it feasible to house hack with a family in DFW? • How do you weigh lifestyle needs vs. investment strategy for a first purchase? Appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!