Using Rental Property Calculator

[Alexander W Gamache]

What is the best way to use the Rental Property calculator when I plan to House Hack? Specifically I am looking to live in one unit within a duplex. Should I use a rent estimation as if I were charging rent for both units? Look at cash flows based on a single unit? I know I won't get as large of a cash flow due to not collecting rent from myself but I am just looking to analyze a good deal.

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Alexander W Gamache, if you plan to live there long time then its your "home" and you don't need to evaluate it as an investment as much as your home. So, comparing the numbers matters less.

If you plan to move out after a year or two and rent out both units then I would evaluate it as a rental and use numbers as if I am renting both units because that will be the situation once you get to that point.