Most people spend decades paying rent or mortgage payments without building any wealth. House hackers flip the script and get paid to own real estate instead.

pikselstock/Shutterstock

Updated:
House hacking lets you live rent-free while building wealth through real estate. The idea is pretty simple. Buy a duplex or small multifamily property, live in one of the units, and rent out the others.
The rental income covers your mortgage payment and expenses. You eliminate your housing costs while gaining equity and tax benefits. This strategy often requires a minimal down payment and no prior real estate experience.