Sometimes, unseen issues (like major repairs) end up costing more than the discount you negotiated.Final Thoughts•If there are no major rental restrictions, and the numbers work based on rental comps, this could be a great first investment.

You should also request a personal financial statement to better understand their financial health and proof of funds to confirm they have the liquidity for down payments and closing costs.

That is what 1% of the $40,000 down payment costs were from when we refinanced it and started this process in Jan 2022.

They had lots of options to reduce cost, they came in at $8k less than the first place, and I could knock even more off of it if I trench the new lines myself (the trenching and excavation prices were pretty brutal, I could hire it out for a fraction of the price). 

Be conservative on your rehab budget, rehab timeline, holding costs, etc.

They are about the same cost (which surprised me) but for a rental property that is really probably mostly for pets, I'm concerned about maintenance and upkeep.

Long-Term Play: Those who secured land at high valuations must now decide whether to hold, develop, or offload.New Construction and Infrastructure DevelopmentColumbus has seen a surge in homebuilding, particularly in response to anticipated demand from Intel-related jobs.The delay may impact financing and absorption rates, leading to a slowdown in housing starts.Infrastructure projects tied to Intel’s growth, such as roads and utilities, will likely continue, but at a measured pace.Commercial Real Estate and Small Business ImpactsMany businesses and developers bet on an influx of Intel workers fueling demand for retail, office, and industrial space.This delay could create leasing challenges, with some developers reconsidering near-term projects.On the flip side, a more gradual ramp-up may allow local businesses to scale strategically.Opportunities for Savvy InvestorsBuying the Dip: If land or housing prices see a correction, it could be a prime buying opportunity for those with a long-term outlook.Pivoting to Other Growth Areas: Columbus remains an attractive market beyond Intel, with a strong job market, affordable cost of living, and other major employers expanding.Building for the Long Haul: Delays happen, but Intel’s presence in Ohio is a long-term game.

Also, as this co-living thing is generally new and catching on in some cities, I would hate to have this whole strategy ruined by a new restriction set by the city for co-living or the crazy rise in mortgage cost from property taxes and be forced to revert back to the traditional route.So my question is for those that are already doing the co-living strategy; are you all buying the home purely off of the co-living cash flow, or are you all considering the cash flow from renting the home with just one tenant as well?

House hacking by purchasing a duplex, triplex, or single-family home with extra rooms can help you reduce or eliminate housing costs while building equity.

And the reality was I only put 20% down plus closing costs.