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.
Illustration by David Parks
Common strategies
Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex and live in one unit.
Rent spare bedrooms in a house.
Rent a basement or an accessory dwelling unit.
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.
Look at neighborhood trends and your holding period, and keep reserves for slower years. Talk with David to talk submarkets.
Start with cap rate, then ask a tax professional about depreciation and strategies like 1031 exchanges.
What to check
Zoning, rental licensing, and HOA rules.
Realistic rent and vacancy.
Condition of each unit.
Tenant laws, which carry responsibilities.
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 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.