Buy the duplex, live in one side, let the other side pay the mortgage. This shows exactly what house-hacking costs you per month versus renting — and whether it beats your current rent outright.
The property you're thinking of buying — and moving into.
The units you rent out while you live in one. Be honest about vacancy and upkeep.
What you're paying right now. This is the number the hack has to beat.
Same deal, two ways in: skinny FHA down payment vs. full 20%. Watch what PMI does.
| FHA 3.5% | 20% down |
|---|
The idea: you buy a 2–4 unit building, live in one unit, and rent the others. Their rent covers most — sometimes all — of your mortgage. You live cheaper than renting while building equity.
Why 3.5% down works: FHA loans let you in with 3.5% down, but FHA demands you live there at least a year — which is exactly what a house-hack is. The catch is mortgage insurance (PMI), which this analyzer prices in automatically.
The honest math: vacancy happens and roofs leak, so this tool haircuts your rental income for both before declaring victory. If the verdict still beats your rent, the hack is real.
Name the deal, save it, compare duplexes side by side later.