House Hacking 101: What It Is and How to Get Started

Sign Up for Jaren's FREE Event: "How to Buy Profitable Real Estate Deals" - https://bit.ly/4eFuLV8

In this episode of the Rich Dad Radio Show, host Jaren Sustar sits down with seasoned real estate investor Ryan Burnham to explore the power of house hacking as a strategy to achieve financial freedom. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from working a traditional job to building a thriving real estate portfolio through house hacking, offering valuable insights for aspiring investors looking to reduce living expenses and grow wealth through smart real estate investments.

What is House Hacking?

House hacking involves purchasing a property as your primary residence and renting out extra spaces to generate income. Whether it's a spare bedroom, a basement suite, or an additional unit in a duplex or triplex, house hacking allows you to cover mortgage costs and lower your overall housing expenses. This flexible strategy can be adapted for short-term, mid-term, or long-term rental options, depending on your financial goals.

Ryan Burnham’s Journey to Financial Freedom

In 2018, Ryan was looking to break free from the traditional "rat race" of high income and high expenses. His first venture into house hacking started with purchasing a property that included a mother-in-law unit. By renting out one unit while living in the other, Ryan reduced his housing costs to just $200 per month. His experience shows how house hacking can turn liabilities into assets, allowing homeowners to generate passive income and build wealth over time.

Tips for Successful House Hacking

Throughout the episode, Ryan shares essential tips for managing a successful house hacking operation:

•  **Tenant Screening:** Thorough tenant screening is crucial, especially when living on the same property. Establish clear expectations and maintain professionalism to keep tenant relationships stress-free.
•  **Diversifying Rental Strategies:** Ryan and his wife Jenny transitioned part of their portfolio into mid-term rentals, catering to traveling professionals. This shift significantly boosted their cash flow, demonstrating how house hacking can evolve into a broader real estate investment strategy.