Jacksonville FL current market hack tips

[Sarah Poehler]

My partner and I have found success in the current market with buy and holds. Especially with new construction incentives. We're both investor agents and we talk to the builders and work deals to get the best rates and incentives. Then we live in the property for a year or so, and then rent the whole thing out. When the market flips, we could consider selling, or continue to hold while annually increasing rents. We have 5 properties now and have had positive results with all of them. We also have 2 duplex listings in the area that would be perfect for a live-in owner to rent the other unit. Then they could move out the following year or so and rent the whole thing out, if wanted. Listings like that can be great starter and partner investments. Hope this helps. :)

[Amber Stout]

Love what you’re doing, Sarah — that’s such a smart approach. I personally have done the house hacking strategy with 2-4 unit properties. :) 

I'm seeing a lot of success with clients using FHA or conventional financing with as little as 3.5–5% down on duplexes or even 3–4 unit properties. The key is living in one unit for at least a year (which you're already doing), and the rental income from the other side can often be used to help qualify and even cover most of the mortgage.

It’s an amazing way to build wealth with less out of pocket, especially paired with builder incentives or seller credits. I work with a lot of house hackers and investor-agents across Florida — always happy to brainstorm creative financing options if you or your buyers ever want to chat strategy.  :)