House Hacking in Denver: How to Live in One Unit and Rent the Rest

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

House hacking means buying a property, living in part of it, and renting out the rest to offset your housing costs. It can lower your monthly expenses and help you start investing with owner-occupant financing.

House Hacking in Denver: How to Live in One Unit and Rent the Rest
Illustration by David Parks

Common strategies

Financing advantages

Owner-occupied loans often have lower down payments and better rates than investment-property loans. Some programs allow rental income to count toward qualifying. Ask a lender how it applies.

Quick Poll

What is your main investing goal?

What to check

Risks

Living near tenants has trade-offs, and vacancies or repairs can strain your budget. Keep reserves.

Run the numbers

Estimate your housing cost after rent, then compare to buying a single-family home. A lender and a tax professional can help you understand the details.

Key Takeaways
  • Common strategies: Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex and live in one unit.
  • Financing advantages: Owner-occupied loans often have lower down payments and better rates than investment-property loans.
  • What to check: Zoning, rental licensing, and HOA rules.
  • Risks: Living near tenants has trade-offs, and vacancies or repairs can strain your budget.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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