All Forum Posts by: Ian G.

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply. There is a stairway and lockable door between floors. 

I'm looking at a large SFH with finished basement near the shipyard, with interest in owner-occupancy on the top floor and renting out the 3BR basement. The basement has independent entry, kitchen + laundry, and wall heat (upper floor is furnace), but utilities are shared. The home is in good shape, but the basement is not permitted as an ADU, and may require significant investment to get it there. We like the property and can see living there contentedly, but are concerned about the feasibility of house hacking with Bremerton municipal code. I've seen several investors posting from the Bremerton area, and would be open to expert advice. Thanks!

I've been a lurker for a couple months and there's a TON of great info on this site, but I'm hoping I might get a little specific advice. My wife and I are looking to move to the Tacoma or Olympia area around May of this year, and are looking at making the jump from renting to owning. We've talked for some time about wanting to manage both short/long term rentals down the road, and need to start taking steps towards that. We both have careers that allow us to work remotely (not just due to COVID), so we have flexibility on where we live and we have family in the Olympia area. 

We have been discussing the idea of investing a bit extra to get a place that would work to rent out while having minimal to no shared common space (duplex, ADU, separate entrance). We're looking at living in this property for a shorter time (5 years or less) with the intent of renting out the space we lived in and seeking a new/upgraded primary residence nearby, and keeping keeping the property if it is performing as an investment.

-With JBLM being a big source of tenants, and with potential employer growth in the Tacoma area plus further infrastructure to support commuting to Seattle, we are considering Tacoma as a primary market, though Olympia is definitely an option. If investing were off the table, we'd likely buy in Olympia to be closer to family. 

-We have also discussed moving to the area and renting for a year or so to get to know the area, but with appreciation being what it is we're a little hesitant due to the opportunity cost.

-We have been watching listings in the area and are worried about the limited inventory, that it will be very difficult to get a decent property that fits our purpose.

I'm happy to reply to any questions or connect with members or maybe agents about if now is a good time to pursue these goals, and any suggestions for specific neighborhoods or agents to look at.