I am local military and I used my VA a different route, but house hacking is a great way to pocket the extra BAH. I

Taking advantage of BAH is KEY.

Bah. I

Not paying a fee to a bir dog would lose me a source of deals and hurt my good name.

BAH is typically 70% of the local markets rental value (depending on where you are) so it could easily cover a house off base and all utilities, and it typically can cover most mortgage payments assuming you are buying at your income level.

I already have three tenants, on top of that I’m offering them a great deal at 800/900 a room whereas our BAH is 1800.

Just keep in mind what the BAH is for most military members, a quick google search for Dyess AFB BAH will get you exact amounts, but generally most people looking for a place off base are around the 1000-1600 range.

My BAH is 2600/month so this is very much below what I can afford.

Me and a friend from m command both picked up E5 at the same time and applied for BAH. I

My understanding is BAH is paid under the assumption that it covers market rate housing expenses that would normally be provided if the service person lived on base in military owned housing, but it is not required to be spent for that.