What I learned after 1 year of house hacking

[Jonathan Baptiste]

How It All Began
So, picture this: it’s 2024, and I’m 26 years old, stepping into South Florida like I’m starring in my own “rags-to-riches” reality show. By August 2023, I packed up my introverted self, moved to paradise, and two months later—BOOM—homeowner status unlocked. Why? Because personal growth and financial stability sounded like a better combo than Netflix and takeout. Spoiler: It was worth it (but oh, the stories I’ve got).

My Master Plan: House Hacking Like a Boss
Why house hacking? Simple: It's the real estate version of a training wheels bike. With a 3-5% down FHA loan, I snagged a cozy home in a hot spot, worked from home to play handyman, and created a hedge against the "what-ifs" of life. Lost job? I still have a roof. Tenant issues? I did the math and could cover the mortgage solo if needed. Worst case? Everyone goes broke at the same time. (Then we'd just start a commune, I guess.)

The Setup: Living My Best (Small) Life
I bought a 2BD/1BA home with a private efficiency studio. Two tenants leased the 2BD/1BA, and the studio ran on short-term rentals. Where was I? Oh, just thriving in a CLOSET on the 2BD/1BA side. Yes, literally a closet.

What I Learned (a.k.a. “Please, Learn from My Pain”)

1. Leases: Month-to-Month Magic
   Strangers are like boxes of chocolates—you never know when one’s going to melt all over your sofa. Month-to-month leases are lifesavers. Why? Because the first few months may be great, but after the honeymoon phase, they might morph into messy, noisy goblins. One year stuck with a disrespectful tenant is one year too long. Trust me.
2. Set the Tone Early: Respect is Key
   As an introvert, I hate conflict. But letting minor issues slide was my biggest mistake. Tenants thought the space was theirs (and in their defense, they were kinda right), but boundaries are crucial. Communicate expectations upfront—because once they start double-parking or treating the place like a frat house, it’s game over.
3. Cameras, Cameras Everywhere
   You’d think adults wouldn’t steal each other’s food, right? WRONG. I’m not saying you need to channel your inner Big Brother, but a good camera setup is like having a silent enforcer. It stops nonsense before it starts and keeps your property safe (and your sanity intact).
4. Hard on Paper, Soft in Practice
   My lease was stricter than a middle-school dress code: no overnight guests, no smoking anywhere, and quiet hours that would make a library blush. Did I enforce all of it? Nah. But having those rules on paper was like carrying a big stick—great to wield when needed but mostly a deterrent. It saved me when things got real (hello, crazy boyfriend with trust issues).
5. Security Deposit: Non-Negotiable
   One full month of rent as a security deposit (at the very least!) is non-negotiable. If you can get the first month, last month, and a deposit, even better. You’ll thank me when eviction drama hits, or turnover costs come calling.
6. Fines = Behavior Training
   Sometimes, tenants behave worse than toddlers at a candy store. A well-outlined list of finable offenses in the lease works wonders. Nothing changes behavior faster than, “Oh, you broke the rules? That’ll be $50.”
7. Document EVERYTHING
   Living with tenants means you see it all—good, bad, and downright ridiculous. Keep records of everything: texts, emails, photos, videos. Stay professional in all communication. When legal drama pops up (and it might), a paper trail is your best friend.

The Takeaway
House hacking has been an adventure. I’ve learned about people, property management, and (most importantly) myself. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If you’re thinking about diving in, I say go for it—but maybe don’t start by living in a closet. Unless, of course, you’re into character-building experiences. 🌟

[Drew Sygit]

@Jonathan Baptiste cool story glad you learned a lot.

Now, multiply all that by 300+ tenants and you'll know what the average PMC has to deal with!