NYC Proper or Hudson Valley (Jersey) for Home Hack Multi Family

[Colin Mills]

Hi all,

I have been looking to get some skin in the real estate game through house hacking a multi family home. Given NYC has such high COL it is a no brainer to have tenants subsidize my rent. So far I have been looking exclusively in Brooklyn -- focused on Sunset Park, Flatbush, PLG, and Bed-Stuy. These deals often don't cash flow (at least not right away and not with a 5% down FHA) and have high prices ($800k - $1500k).

Given this outlook I have started exploring across the Hudson. Jersey City seems to have much better rent-price ratios at much more affordable entry prices. Although, property taxes do seem to be considerably higher. Would love any feedback in the following areas between the two:

- General real estate experience in each area

- Cost of doing business (agent fees, closing costs, cross-state loans, etc.)

- Rent and Value Appreciation

- Other hidden costs in each area

- Legal hoops

- Taxes

Anyone have any advice on why I might go one way or the other?