Analyzing a house-hack, do you include your own "rent" portion?

[Mike Hoherchak]

Since this Superbowl is super boring this year, I decided to analyze some properties for practice. 

I'm looking to purchase a residential MF and live in one of the units using a VA loan this year. I'm focusing on 3 and 4 plex's for less vacancy risk and more likelihood of the rental income covering all expenses.

When analyzing, does it make sense to include your units potential rental income even though I'd be living in one of the units? Or would it make more sense to analyze on expected actual rent roll without my unit's potential income? It seems the most logical approach would be to exclude my unit but it seems very difficult to find properties that work. What are your thoughts?

[Anthony Wick]

@Mike Hoherchak

When I house hacked my first duplex, I analyzed two numbers. The first was, how much did I need to chip in for PITI after the other side rent, and was that less than my current rent? In other words, would I be immediately better off financially?

And then I analyzed numbers for when I’d be moving out. That number has to be cash flow positive, after expenses and hold outs for future expenses.

I never tried finding a property wherein I would live there and be cash flow positive right away. Those don't exist in my town. But my rent went from $1,250 a month to me paying $800 a month to round out my PITI after tenants rent.