Did anyone get started by renting out their own house?

[Gary Dezoysa]

I'm just curious if anyone else has gotten started in real estate by renting out their own house to improve their cash flow situation.

It makes sense to me, if I rent my first house to one person/family, I'll get $600-$650 a month.

If I split it three or four ways, I will get $350 per room, times 3 or 4. And I can save on my own rent by living in the basement. We'll see how that goes in a cold-weather state though.

As far as renting out your whole house:  Did everything work out? Did the roommates mostly get along, or did everyone live together like a bunch of strangers occasionally passing by each other in the halls?