First House Hack

[Jacob Guttman]

My name is Jake and I am looking to purchase my first house hack in a little under a year.

My situation: I graduated college in May 2024 and started a FT position at a public accounting firm in September. I am living with my parents and making enough money to save $1k with each bi-weekly paycheck. With these savings, I plan to enter the market for a single-family house hack in the Baltimore area in Fall 2025. I plan first to ask friends if they would like to live with me (is this a bad idea?). I am looking for any advice I can use to pursue this goal. What can I do in the time being to help me with the decisions to come next Fall? Is Baltimore a good area for a house hack? Should I expect to cash flow from it? Or only cover my mortgage payment?

Any advice or information helps.