How FHA House Hacking Works in Nevada

FHA loans allow you to purchase 2-4 unit properties with owner-occupancy requirements. Live in one unit while renting the others to cover your mortgage and build wealth.

1

Buy 2-4 Unit Property

Purchase a duplex (2 units), triplex (3 units), or fourplex (4 units) using FHA financing with just 3.5% down payment. Nevada offers great multi-unit inventory in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and Sparks.

Property Types:

  • • Duplex (Side-by-side or up/down)
  • • Triplex (3 separate units)
  • • Fourplex (Quadplex, 4 units)
2

Live in One Unit

FHA requires you occupy one unit as your primary residence for at least 12 months. This owner-occupancy requirement unlocks the low down payment for what would otherwise be an investment property requiring 20-25% down.

Occupancy Rules:

  • • Must move in within 60 days of closing
  • • Stay minimum 12 months
  • • After year, can rent your unit too
3

Rent Other Units

Immediately rent out the remaining 1-3 units. Rental income from other units can be used to qualify for the mortgage and dramatically reduces your monthly housing cost. Nevada's strong rental markets in Las Vegas and Reno make this profitable.

Rental Income Benefits:

  • • 75% of market rent counts for qualifying
  • • Reduces your effective payment
  • • Builds equity faster

Why House Hacking is Nevada's Best First-Time Buyer Strategy

House hacking transforms your housing expense into an investment. Instead of paying $2,000/month rent with zero return, you pay $1,400/month (or less) to own an appreciating asset. After 12 months, you can move out and keep the property as a full rental investment while buying your next home.

$200K+

Wealth built in 5 years

50-75%

Mortgage covered by tenants

3 Properties

Possible in 3 years with FHA

House Hacking Advantages

Lowest Down Payment Investment

3.5% down vs 20-25% for traditional rental property

Tenant-Paid Mortgage

Rental income covers 50-100% of monthly payment

Forced Savings & Equity Building

Every payment builds wealth, unlike renting

Tax Deductions

Depreciation, repairs, mortgage interest for rental portion

Property Management Experience

Learn real estate investing while living on-site

Scalable Strategy

Repeat every 12 months to build portfolio quickly

House Hacking Considerations

Landlord Responsibilities

Handle repairs, tenant issues, vacancies (easier living on-site)

Shared Property Living

Less privacy than single-family home ownership

Higher FHA Loan Limits Needed

Multi-unit properties cost more; check Nevada FHA limits

Tenant Screening Essential

Bad tenants impact your living situation directly

Maintenance Costs

Multiple units = more systems to maintain and repair

Market Dependent

Success relies on strong Nevada rental demand and appreciation

House Hacking FAQ

Ready to start house hacking in Nevada?

Start Your FHA Multi-Unit Loan

Nevada multi-unit specialists • FHA experts • NMLS #65506

FHA Requirements for 2-4 Unit House Hacking

Multi-unit FHA loans have specific requirements. Here's what you need to qualify for house hacking in Nevada.

Qualification Requirements

Credit Score: 580+

Same as single-family FHA (500-579 requires 10% down)

Down Payment: 3.5%

Of purchase price (higher amounts on multi-units but same percentage)

DTI Ratio: Up to 50%

75% of expected rental income counts toward qualifying (with lease or appraisal)

Employment: 2 Years History

Stable income from employment or self-employment in same field

Occupancy: 12 Months Minimum

Must live in one unit as primary residence for at least one year

FHA Loan Limits: Higher for Multi-Units

2025 Clark County: 2-unit $1,086,050 | 3-unit $1,313,350 | 4-unit $1,632,425

Using Rental Income to Qualify

FHA allows you to use 75% of market rent from non-occupied units to qualify for the mortgage. This dramatically increases buying power.

Nevada Duplex Example:

Total PITI Payment: $3,200/mo
Market Rent (other unit): $1,800/mo
75% Rental Income Used: -$1,350/mo
Net Payment for Qualifying: $1,850/mo

With Lease in Place:

Use 75% of actual rent from executed lease

Without Lease (Vacant):

Appraiser determines market rent; use 75% of that

DTI Calculation:

Net payment (after rental offset) counts toward DTI ratio

Nevada Multi-Unit Market Insights

Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno have strong multi-unit markets perfect for house hacking. Nevada's growing population and tourism industry create consistent rental demand, especially near UNLV, downtown Las Vegas, and Reno/Sparks employment centers.

Avg Las Vegas Duplex

$450-550K

Typical Rent (per unit)

$1,600-2,000

Best Nevada Areas for House Hacking

  • East Las Vegas – near UNLV campus
  • North Las Vegas – affordable inventory
  • Henderson – family-friendly rentals
  • Reno/Sparks – tech worker demand
  • Downtown areas – walkable locations
FHA Real Estate Investment

House Hacking with FHA Loans: Buy 2-4 Unit Properties in Nevada

Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex in Las Vegas or Reno with just 3.5% down using an FHA loan. Live in one unit while tenants cover your mortgage – the ultimate first-time buyer and investor strategy.

3.5% Down Only

Up to 4 Units

Rental Income

Nevada House Hack Example

Las Vegas Duplex Purchase

Purchase Price $450,000
Down Payment (3.5%) $15,750
Your Mortgage Payment $3,200/mo
Rent from Other Unit -$1,800/mo
Your Net Housing Cost $1,400/mo

💰 Save $1,800/month vs renting

Build equity while tenants pay your mortgage

Real Estate Investment Strategy

House Hacking with FHA Loans: Buy 2-4 Unit Properties in Nevada

Complete guide to house hacking in Nevada using FHA financing. Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with just 3.5% down, live in one unit, and rent the others to cover your mortgage. Build wealth through rental income while living essentially rent-free in Las Vegas, Reno, or Henderson.

2-4 Units

3.5% Down

Rental Income

Live in One, Rent Three

Mortgage Covered by Tenants

Real Estate Investment Strategy

House Hacking with FHA Loans: Buy 2-4 Units in Nevada

Complete guide to house hacking in Nevada using FHA financing. Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with just 3.5% down, live in one unit, and rent the others to offset your mortgage. Build wealth through real estate in Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson.

2-4 Units

3.5% Down

Rental Income

Live + Rent = Wealth

FHA House Hacking Strategy

Example Savings:

$1,800/month