My name is Curran Quinlivan and I am a transplant from Minnesota living in Lincoln/Omaha, NE.

You live rent free and learn to be a landlord on a small scale.

Hello BP Members,I'm a new transplant to Chicago, having moved recently from Miami where I was living for the past 6 years.

Someone paying 1200-1500 in rent can buy a duplex and rent out one side and also rent out one room on his side and almost live rent free in a very expensive market like Austin.  

Be aware that though owner occupancy is a great way to get a lower interest rate and live "rent free."

@Diana Gonzalez+1 to what folks are saying above.House hacking (living in one unit/room renting out the rest) a small multi (duplex, triplex, quadplex) is such a powerful strategy. you can get incredible rates with low down payment for your primary. then you basically live rent free or even make money from renting out the other units/rooms.then you need find how to:1. earn more - ask for an increase, rent out parking or storage space on apps like neighbor . com, get paid to put adds on your car with services like wrapify, drive for uber or pick up another side gig2. spend less - know where your money is going. track things in DETAIL over a month and remove anything unnecessary, only spend on needs, not wants.3. save more.4. invest those savingsYou can also start another full-time job if you want and get into wholesaling or looking for owner-financed deals.

If you are renting an apartment in a multi-unit complex, then you shouldn't have too much trouble putting up with your tenants.That being said, living in one unit of a multi-unit property can be a great way to live "rent free."

I've needed to change my life because of attending to a heart transplant.

BP Community:I'm a new member in New Orleans transplanted from Southern California 5 years ago (what a different place!).  

For the Zillow link, see below:Link: https://www.zillow.com/homedet...Our goal is to live rent-free in our first property.