Househack plus writeoff?

[Lauren Feltz]

Hi all! I have an interesting question for your amazing brains. 

I'm a freelancer living in NH. I recently got a gig in Maine and the commute is killing me. My husband and I have always wanted to reach our investments into the area I'm now working so wondering if we can pull this off and take advantage of the situation.

We found a 3-unit near town with one unit vacant. Could we buy it with an FHA-type loan and house hack while I'm working in the area AND write off the rent of the apartment we'd be in as a business expense for my freelance gig? Or would we have to do one or the other i.e. househack with little down OR buy as an investment (20% down) and write off the apartment? I'd rather put less down but I want to be able to maximize this opportunity without making Uncle Sam raise an eyebrow. My business address would remain in NH.

Thanks for your insights!

[Lauren Feltz]

Our mortgage in NH is almost paid off (only 2 more years!!). We would easily be able to rent it either year round or Airbnb since we're in a very touristy area  -- and that's exactly the plan!