Looking for advice for a potential "House Hack" in Redlands, Ca

[Cory Shea]

I realize this isn't really a true house hacking situation but to make a long story shorter, my Wife works for a Medical Spa and the owner is now acquiring his first Duplex. As my Wife and I are currently learning all we can and saving to eventually buy our own multifamily to house hack, this in the meantime could present me with an opportunity to cut our rent back even if just a little. The investor is an incredibly busy guy and I know he does not really want to be bothered by getting calls regarding a broken light bulb or a wash/dryer that is not working.

My thought is that since I am already wanting to learn the in’s and outs of property management and really involving myself in real life experience, perhaps if I offered to take care of the whole property for him in terms of dealing with the downstairs tenants, scheduling repairs/maintenance, and keeping up the properties landscaping so that the investor can remain more hands off he might be willing to give us a break on the rent so that we can save even just a little bit extra each month.

To give you an idea of the situation, he initially told me that he wanted to rent the whole home to a single family as he does not want to deal with issues of tenants not getting along. IF he were to rent separately, the upstairs studio would be listed for $1,400 a month and the downstairs 2BD 1 Bath would be listed for $2,100. Now my Wife and I are just up the street in a 2BD 1 Bath apartment paying $1,250 a month. It would make no sense for us to downsize to a studio AND pay $150 more. I am hoping someone has some advice as to a situation I might be able to pitch to the investor in which this would be worthwhile for both of us. Thought I am wanting to cut our rent back a bit, I know that the lessons and experience I might gain would be worth much more. Any advice is MUCH appreciated!