Burgeoning RE Investment and Relationships

[Cheng Bin Zhang]

Hi All,  This is somewhat of a part relationship, part real estate investment question.  My girlfriend and I are looking to move in together.  She currently rents and shares a nice 3 bedrooms apt.  I've been house-hacking and living as owner-occupied.  She is uncomfortable with the idea of moving into a property that I own and proposes that we move into a rental together.  As some may know, the Boston rental market is on fire given the students and young professionals.  Here are my pros and cons so far:

1. Rental

a. Pros: Placates GF, Opportunity to leverage rental status to facilitate underwriting for next owner-occupied property, potentially save money if we find the right property?

b. Cons: I have to move further away from my properties and give up amenities (basement storage, parking, etc.

In any case, I'd like to tap into the BP community and get some opinion on this subject.  Sorry I know it's not entirely RE related and rather subjective.

Thanks!

Cheng