The convert Landlord

[AL-Teef Jones]

Hello BP,

I have a question, when it comes to strategy for house hacking a multi-family in New Jeresy. I was discussing with one investor where they advise me:

 "if you're going to house hack and occupy a unit its best that the tenant does not know that you're the landlord. this avoids receiving the sob stories for late payments, getting wrapped up in possible tenants drama, and you can access the tenants behavior w/out them putting on a front because the landlords around." 

I do see some of the advantages of this strategy but originally I was fine with my tenants knowing that I'm the landlord because I'm confident that I can and will screen and vet the applicants well.

What do you guys think of this strategy? Can you efficiently screen and vet a potential tenant while still living in a unit covertly without them even knowing you're the landlord? 

[Ben Leybovich]

That's idiotic!