House hacking in a state you “want” to move to

[Jake Davis]

I’m currently looking to relocate as I’m still young with no ties to my current location (New Jersey) except a job. I’m starting to realize I don’t want to be in this state anymore and want to move to a warmer climate. Maybe Texas?

Would it be smart to buy a property in another state and “house hack” for the time being there? Or should I rent for a year, figure out if I like it there, then purchase? 

[Matthew Von Dwingelo]

In my opinion, house hack the heck out of that property in TX. If you're going to go there and rent for a year to test the area and see if you like it, you may as well house hack. If you get an owner occupied loan for the house hack after a year you'll be allowed to move out and move somewhere else, rent out the unit you were living in and house hack your next property.