I’d let the other roommates know if that one is smoking to get ahold of you immediately and if at all possible maybe you can go right over if you instate a no smoking policy.

My plan is to house hack by owner-occupying one side with a roommate and (hopefully) living for free.

About a year ago I bought a 2 bed condo in Brighton and was able to achieve just about break even with room mates, but that doesn't factor in PM, Capex, repairs and vacancy.

I am working to pay off some credit card debt I had from a few years ago due to an unforeseen circumstance with my roommate. 

I have a roommate who pays me $750 cash/month.  

*This is more important if you're "renting by the room" with roommates than if you're "Renting by the unit" in a multifamily or a single family with your own private kitchen and entrance.

Paul Cordero by boarder income do you mean the roommates I have in my primary residence?

The added cash was great and we moved back in and rented the bottom unit for 9 months We repeated this process for a number of years but just the bottom unit ( it was tough living with in laws)  my friend was single and would rent his house out for over $10,000 for summer rent from a friend and then have roommates all year Another great house hack.just wanted to share with those staring out that there a plenty of ways to make the most out of your real estate choices 

I should start out with a house and rent out the other rooms that way I live there with the roommates and I can monitor things closely as a landlord.

If having roommates and renting out by the room seems lighter, go with that.