Finding the right househack

[Nicholas Jackson]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on house hacking and finding the best property that would fit my criteria. I am based in St. Louis and recently have been approved for a loan. I am looking to house hack a multifamily unit as the value of my loan relies on income that the property brings in. In my area I am finding that many multi family units are not in the most desirable places or are well above my price range. My question is should I be patient and wait for more opportunities to hit the MLS, look for off market properties in my desired areas and see if anyone would be willing to sell, or try to negotiate deals to a price that is more affordable to me from properties that are listed on the MLS but out of my price range. Thanks for any and all advice!

[Rick Albert]

Deals aren't found, they are made.

You may have to get creative. St. Louis might be like Los Angeles, where a lot of the multifamily properties aren't in the most desirable areas unless you are willing to pay a premium.

You also have to think about your long term goals. Can you make the short term sacrifice in location in exchange for the long term rewards. 

There are other creative options as well. I had clients buy a duplex and convert the dining room into a 3rd bedroom for one of the units. That's how you make a deal work.