Episode Overview

This episode breaks down three real Colorado house hacking deals that prove it’s possible even in today’s higher interest rate environment. From a $520K Wheat Ridge ADU to a $910K Denver fourplex generating $8,655 monthly, these aren’t theoretical examples.

This is part of our 11 Strategies That Make Sense in Today’s Market series, following our recent episode on co-living strategies. Chris Lopez teams up with house hacking expert Jeff White (closing on his 9th property) and lending specialist Troy Howell to analyze actual deals that closed in recent months. Jeff reveals how his clients are cutting living costs by 50% while building equity and generating passive income in Colorado’s competitive market.

The numbers don’t lie: A first-time buyer went from $2,000 monthly rent to living for $1,255 in a Wheat Ridge property that appraised $45K above purchase price. A young family is paying just $1,000 monthly in their Colorado Springs fourplex while cash flowing from the other three units. Jeff’s personal deal shows how experienced investors can still find $900+ monthly cash flow even at 6% interest rates.

In This Episode We Cover:

How to find ADU properties under $525K in desirable Denver neighborhoods
Why 3% down first-time buyer programs beat FHA loans for house hackers
Section 8 strategy that generates $1,650 for one-bedroom units
Colorado Springs unincorporated areas with no STR restrictions
15% down payment strategy that eliminates PMI permanently
Off-market deal techniques that saved $30K+ in purchase price
Why relationship building leads to first-look opportunities
And So Much More!

Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to cut housing costs or an experienced investor seeking your next house hack, this episode provides actionable strategies for Colorado’s current market. These deals prove house hacking remains one of the 11 strategies that still work when you know where to look and how to structure financing properly.

Don’t miss our Ultimate House Hacking Guide for Denver – available on Amazon or at our monthly meetups. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring real deals, market updates, and proven wealth-building strategies for Colorado real estate investors.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
01:25 – Deal #1: Wheat Ridge ADU – First-Time Buyer Profile
08:49 – First-Time Buyer 3% Loan Program
10:18 – Rental Numbers: $2,500 Midterm vs $4,500 Long-Term
14:52 – Deal #2: Colorado Springs Fourplex – Family House Hack
18:20 – 10% Down Strategy to Increase Cash Flow
19:13 – Why Colorado Springs is Great for House Hackers
22:28 – Deal #3: Jeff’s 9th House Hack – $910K Denver Fourplex
24:03 – Off-Market Deal Strategy – Relationship Building
27:09 -Troy Breaks Down Advanced Financing – $3,700 PMI Buyout on $910K Property
32:58 – Market Opportunities in Second Half 2025

Links from Podcast

Strategy Episode #1-Co-Living
The Ultimate House Hacking Guide for Denver
Lumberjack Landlord

Connect with our Guests:

Troy Howell: troy.howell@novahomeloans.com

LinkedIn: Troy Howell
Website: https://www.novahomeloans.com/loan-officer/troy-howell/

Jeff White: Jeff@envisionrea.com

LinkedIn: Jeff White

Who is Nova Home Loans?

For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

#574: Live For Under $1,000? 3 Colorado Deals That Actually Work