House Hacking Multi Family Home That Cashflows Negatively

[Trent Anderson]

Hello BriggerPockets,

To start out I will tell you my goal, I am looking to have my first multi-family unit by October of 2020. I am also getting married in July of 2020, so I am changing my goal slightly. Luanne and I are now looking to house hack a multi-family unit. I am reaching out for your help because a deal came across my desk today and It feels right, but I don't want to invest on emotions. The deal currently has a negative cash flow due to Luanne and I planning to live there. Please let me know if this property is a good first start. 

The Deal

1 4 bedrooms 1 full bath (Upstairs)

1 1 Bedroom, (In the basement)

Current asking price $179,900

4 Bedroom rent: $1,230

1 Bedroom Rent: $540 ( Ideally Luanne and I would take the 1 bed after we are married)

Newer windows, siding, furnace and central air.

4BR unit is super spacious with laundry on the main level and new carpet in bedrooms. Full bathroom on main and upper

Annual Tax $3,168

Address:  814 19th St S La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

[Joseph Cacciapaglia]

That looks like a promising deal. I wouldn't expect most house hacking deals to cash flow, unless you count your rent savings. Of course, in some markets you might find those. My first investment was a duplex that I lived in. I rented one unit, and also rented to a roommate on my side. With that arrangement it was just about break even. I would just suggest looking at this deal as if it were a pure investment first. If you're happy with those numbers, then moving into one of the units shouldn't really change that, except you are getting better financing. By the way, I respect that you're looking at taking the small unit. That type of frugal living will help you grow much faster.