Quote from @Mark Francour:
I am new to the Tampa area and looking to buy a small multi-family property to house hack this summer. I have begun analyzing properties in the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete area.
Being new to real estate and analyzing properties I feel like I am still "winging it." What advice would you give to someone that is starting their process of looking at properties? Would you use the BP Rental property Calculator, or create your own Excel Spreadsheet with formulas? Are there any specific expenses that are abnormally high or unique to the area?
Obviously, the current state of the market it has been tough to find many deals in the area. Is there cities/areas nearby that you would suggest to look at for properties? Areas that you see potential growth as the Tampa market expands?
Thank you!
I really like the BP rental calculator, I wouldnt invest the time into an excel sheet unless
A) you get a template from someone
B) youre buying properties on a large scale and run in to a lot of special instance adjustments and need the customization to run abnormal numbers
My bottom line for house hacks is as long as you're paying substantially less than you otherwise would in rent AND It will cashflow when you move out of it then you should be good. A good house hack rule is to run numbers as if you weren't going to live there. If it cashflows without you occupying then you're golden.