considering all options for my next househack

[Sung Yu]

Hi everyone,

I recently moved to Atlanta and am actively searching for my next house hack. It'll most likely be from the MLS, so I'm trying to be creative and still make the numbers still work. I prefer not to go the STR/padsplit route. A strong alternative for my area seems to be the housing voucher route (section rate) and buying in an area that allows for a high payment. Other than due diligence in the tenant selection process, any other unique stuff that I should be thinking ahead as it pertains to investing in section 8? Thank you all in advance!

[Ryan Legat]

Congratulations on your next house hack. 

I would try to look for tenants who have been on the Section 8 program for a long period of time, say like 5+ years. Section 8 tenants get kicked off the program if they don't follow the rules, so if their rent is late, non-payment, noise disturbances, etc., they can loose their voucher. Most section 8 tenants don't want to run the risk of loosing  almost 75 % (number will vary based upon income) of their rent paid for each month. If they've been consistent for a few years than the odds that they will continue. 

Past behavior is usually a good indicator of how someone will behave in the future. Always do your due diligence and call previous landlords, background checks, etc.