How I Quit Corporate with Just 3 Rentals (Real Estate Changed My Life)

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: October 27, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

This article details a real estate investor's strategy of purchasing duplexes in an expensive market outside New York City and using house hacking to achieve significant cash flow. The investor used a VA loan and leveraged debt to acquire properties, while strategically renting out units to cover expenses and generate income. Hosts can consider using creative financing and house hacking to offset costs and build their STR portfolio.

Key Insights

  • The investor generates $9,000 monthly cash flow from six doors outside of New York City.
  • The investor used section 8 rent rates as a financial safety net to assess the risk of taking on debt.
  • The investor used a VA loan with a $1,000 deposit to purchase a $785,000 duplex and house hacked it to cover living expenses.

Action Items

  • Research local Section 8 rates to understand the potential income floor and risk mitigation in your market.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Consider using creative financing options like VA loans or other low down payment options to acquire properties in high-cost markets.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Explore house hacking strategies (living in one unit and renting out others) to reduce your personal living expenses.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • Real Estate Rookie podcast: The article mentions the Real Estate Rookie podcast.

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