Most buyers dream of a single-family starter home. But in Reno and Northern Nevada’s tight market, multi-units might just be the smarter path forward.
Rethinking the First Home
When most people picture buying their first home, they imagine a single-family house with a yard and garage. That’s the classic version of the American dream. But affordability is tighter than ever, and starter homes in Reno are often out of reach.
This is where duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes come in. While they may sound more expensive at first glance, they can actually be one of the smartest financial moves a first-time buyer can make.
How Multi-Units Work for You
Most buyers assume multi-units are only for “real investors.” They see the higher price tag and think there’s no way they would qualify. But lenders can count a portion of projected rental income from the additional units as qualifying income. That means your future tenants help you qualify before you’ve even closed.
Think of it as house hacking on a larger scale. You live in one unit, your tenants live in the others, and together the property helps pay the mortgage.
The Financing Advantage
The financing options make this even more appealing.
VA buyers can use their benefit with zero down on a multi-unit property, an opportunity that is underutilized but incredibly powerful.
FHA buyers can purchase with as little as 3.5 percent down, opening the door for those who don’t have large cash reserves.
Instead of stretching for a single-family home and carrying the full mortgage alone, multi-units let you share the load while building equity from day one.
From First Home to First Investment
This strategy isn’t just about short-term affordability; it’s about long-term wealth. Many buyers start with a multi-unit, live in one side, then move out when life changes, keeping the property as a rental. Others repeat the process, stacking one property after another while always occupying the latest purchase as their primary home.
For active-duty military, every PCS can become an opportunity to add another rental to the portfolio. By the time you’re ready to settle into a single-family home, you could already have multiple properties producing income in the background.
Investor Takeaways
Multi-units reduce monthly housing costs by bringing tenants into the equation.
They qualify for powerful loan programs, including VA zero down and FHA low down payment.
They turn your first home into an income-producing investment from day one.
They can be the foundation for building a rental portfolio without waiting years.
Final Thoughts
Affordability is the challenge everyone talks about, but multi-units flip the script. Instead of asking, How can I afford this property?, the better question becomes, How can this property afford me?
Your first home doesn’t have to be just one door. It can be the foundation of your financial future; housing you, supporting you, and building wealth with every rent check that comes in.
If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into how this strategy works, reach out and let’s break it down for your situation. I love showing buyers the practical side of these ideas and how to put them into action.
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Ashleigh Jabri Investment Specialist | Address Income 760-521-7729 |