House Hacking Calculator
See how renting out part of your home can eliminate your housing costs. The #1 strategy for first-time real estate investors.
Property Details
Enter your house hack scenario
Property & Financing
Sets Total Units below — that count is what the math uses.
Of purchase price. Counted in Cash Invested.
Units & Rent
Drives the savings comparison. Left blank, no savings are claimed.
Monthly Expenses & Assumptions
Blank counts as $0. Required by most lenders when you put under 20% down; confirm your figure with your lender.
Applied to the rented units only.
Reserve on gross rent for all 2 units, including yours.
What is House Hacking?
House hacking is a real estate strategy where you live in one unit of a multi-family property (like a duplex, triplex, or fourplex) while renting out the other units. The rental income from tenants helps pay your mortgage, potentially allowing you to live for free or even generate positive cash flow.
Why House Hacking Works
- Low Down Payment: FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down for owner-occupied properties
- Reduced Living Costs: Rental income offsets your mortgage payment
- Build Equity: You're building wealth while tenants help pay your mortgage
- Learn Landlording: Gain hands-on experience managing properties while living on-site