Jan 14: Top 6 DFW House Hacks

#1 - Garland Quadplex | $675k

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$47,250	$5400	$4850	$3850	$5500	$186,000

I rarely recommend quads for first-time house hackers - In DFW at least, we typically see high entry costs, rough areas, deferred maintenance, and 3–4 tenants to place or manage on day one. That’s a lot for most first-timers looking for a simple stepping-stone asset.

This one’s the exception. Professionally managed, updated, and stabilized with long-term tenants paying market rent. If you have the cash, this is a sound, low-drama play.

Analysis Proforma

#2 - Denison Duplex | $395

great deal

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$28,000	$3,280	$2,550	$1,550	$3200	$109,000

2021-built duplex. A textbook house-hack with a premium roommate income setup. Each unit features 3 beds / 2 full baths upstairs, ideal for an owner + 1 roommate. A private bedroom and bath + flex spaces for both means maximum comfort and privacy = low days on market and high retention. A half bath downstairs allows either of you to host guests without encroaching on personal spaces.

Lease the other unit to a long-term tenant at $1,550+/month. Newer construction keeps CapEx low, and the property sits in an aggressive growth corridor. A very safe, low-hassle play to lock in a six-figure nest egg for your future self while keeping your cost of living extremely low.

Full proforma & rent comps

#3 - Arlington Duplex | $350k

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$24,500	$2,800	$2,165	$1,265	$2,600	$116,000

Corner lot. Clean, affordable duplex in the heart of one of the strongest real estate metros in the country, backed by a tenant and buyer pool the size of an ocean. Take care of the property and the people living in it, and this asset will take care of you.

Quick Tip: If you plan to have a roommate—and want to attract the right one—invest in the outdoor living space. A pergola, TV, string lights, and simple outdoor furniture can dramatically extend the home’s usable square footage. These upgrades are low-cost, photograph extremely well, pull your target tenant, and create breathing room outside of smaller bedrooms. More places to kick your shoes off when co-living = a much better experience for everyone.

Proforma Packet

#4 - Fort Worth SFH | $250k

Short Term Home → Long Term Hold

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$17,500	$2,000	$850	$0	$2250	$83,000

Low entry. Charming neighborhood with tactical proximity to TCU, Central Market, Dickies Arena, West 7th, Downtown, and the Near Southside medical district. An excellent short-term home that transitions cleanly into a strong long-term hold.

Quick Tip: If you plan to offset costs with a roommate and there’s only one bathroom, consider giving both spare bedrooms to a single roommate. A private bedroom plus a personal home office or living room can more than make up for the shared bath and significantly improve livability.

Proforma

#5 - Benbrook Duplex | $300k

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$21,000	$2,700	$2,100	$1,350	$2,750	$100,000

Turnkey duplex already near the 1% rule (price:rent). Parked right on I20 and Benbrook Blvd, a high demand rental pocket with a long term tenant eager to renew at market rates.

Quick Tip: Capitalize on opportunities to avoid vacancy whenever possible—but always do your due diligence when assuming a tenant in place. Review the lease, application, and rent history; call prior landlords; and inspect the unit during the option period. If everything checks out and you can hold a straightforward conversation without red flags flying, it’s usually a green light.

Proforma

#6 - Kennedale Duplex | $325k

^{Cash Outlay}	^Payment	^Income ^{(Occupy + RM)}	^Income ^(Occupy,^no^RM)	^Income ^{(Moved Out)}	^{Yr 5 Equity}
$22k	$2,700	$2,275	$1,375	$3,000	$108k

2 beds, 2 full baths, plus wide driveways per unit - an ideal setup to co-live one side and lease the other. Add the low entry point, turnkey condition, and central location, and this checks a lot of boxes. If you can come up with ~$25K and have a friend to room with, this is a strong option to live in for a year or two, then hold long-term and let time and tenants do the heavy lifting toward a rock-solid financial foundation.

Proforma