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Tax strategies
House Hacking
Buy a duplex or a home with a unit, live in one part and rent the rest — the rent helps cover your mortgage.
What it is
House hacking means buying a multi-unit property (duplex, triplex, or a home with an ADU) where youlive in one part and rent out the rest. Rental income covers a large share — sometimes all — of the mortgage payment.
Why it works in SF
- As owner-occupied you may qualify for a lower down payment and better rate
- Rental income can count toward your mortgage qualification
- SF/Bay Area rents are high ($3,200–4,200 in prime areas)
Example logic
At ~$1.6M, two rental units at ~$3,200 each, the rental flow can cover most of the payment. Exact figures depend on rate, down payment and expenses — run them in the calculator on the homepage.
Estimates only. Tax effects (depreciation, deductions) — discuss with a CPA.