A house

What Is House Hacking (and Why Every 9–5 Worker Should Know About It)?

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Written by Jailyn | March 2025 | Real Estate - 5 min read

Let’s be honest, when working a 9–5 can feel like a never-ending game of catch-up.

Your paycheck comes in, your bills come out, and what’s left barely moves the needle toward the life you actually want. Add rent or a mortgage into the mix, and it’s no wonder so many people feel stuck.

But what if I told you that your biggest monthly expense could actually become your biggest asset?

That’s exactly what house hacking is all about.


So, what is house hacking?

House hacking is when you buy a home, usually 1 to 4 units, and rent out part of it to offset your living expenses.

Let’s say you buy a duplex. You live in one unit, and your tenant lives in the other. Their rent helps (or fully covers) your mortgage. Boom, you’re living rent-free or close to it.

Got a single-family home with extra bedrooms? Rent them out. Live near a hospital or college? Short-term or mid-term rentals could be your move. The point is: you’re no longer just paying to live, you’re earning while living.


Why should 9–5 workers care?

Most of us don’t have $100K sitting in a savings account, trust funds, or rich uncles. We have jobs, dreams, and the desire to break free from living check to check.

House hacking is a way to:

  • Start building wealth without waiting until “someday”

  • Tap into real estate with low down payment options (3.5%–5%)

  • Keep more of your paycheck instead of handing it over to your landlord

You don’t need to quit your job or become a full-time investor. You just need to shift the way you think about housing and just take one bold step toward ownership.


But isn’t buying a house complicated?

Yes… and no.

Sure, there’s paperwork, prep, and a learning curve. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s exactly why I created a step-by-step guide based on how I’ve lived rent-free for years.


💥 Want the full blueprint?

I break it all down in my free guide:
Live for Free: The Mindful Guide to House Hacking & Financial Freedom

Inside, you’ll find:

  • What to look for in a house hack

  • How I got a 5% down loan with no PMI

  • Worksheets, tools, and checklists to start today

  • Real stories, real numbers, and real talk

If you’ve ever wondered how to stop working just to pay bills, this guide is your next step.


Ready to live differently?
💡 Click here to download Live for Free and start your journey today.