Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

I've been saving for a house hack over the past two years and recently came across a great property in the Denver metro area that I’d love to pursue.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Can Save You Money" – Educate about long-term savings."

@Tiffani HollisFor a long-term rental, I’d avoid used dishwashers entirely—repair costs and reliability issues often outweigh the savings.

That’s like depositing $300 into a savings account every month.Plus, it’s an investment property, so you can depreciate it to save on taxes.More Than $1,500This isn’t just about making $1,500 in rent—it’s about building long-term wealth.

My budget is slightly constrained for this first property so looking to save on purchase price and hopefully add value through renovations.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

instead, saving that cash for a house hack is such a better use of it."

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Being able to look one of these sellers in the eye and tell them that you can, as a licensed agent, either list their property or attempt to assign the contract, assuming wholesaling is legal in your state, is a huge credibility booster.2) Get an entry-level job, hustle, save as much as possible and plan to house-hack when you turn 18-21.