House hacking in SF?

[Sajid Zaidi]

Hi all,

I'm wondering whether it's possible to house hack in SF these days? I currently rent and have a relatively good deal ($1300 for a room in a 3 bedroom). I'm a young single guy who needs to stay in SF for work. Im thinking of buying a duplex or triplex in an outer neighborhood like excelsior or Bayview (only areas I can afford), and living in one of the units. I would rent out the other units, and possibly Airbnb my own unit when out of town.

I don't expect positive cash flow, but I figure a leveraged bet on San Francisco real estate is better than investing in the stock market. I know folks say the market in SF is peaking, but is that also true in less desirable neighborhoods? Is house hacking not a good idea in SF?