First Investment Property

Your first rental: the play Nic ran himself.

First home, then equity, then the next one — that's not theory, it's Nic's own résumé. Here's how the first investment property actually pencils.

Pencil your first deal

How it works

Pick the entry

Straight investment purchase vs. house-hack — wildly different cash requirements, same end game.

Pencil it honestly

Rent, taxes, insurance, vacancy, repairs — if it doesn't cash flow on paper, it won't in life.

Fund the down payment

Savings, equity, or both — structured so one property doesn't strangle the other.

Close and collect

Tenant in, rent flowing, and suddenly you're the friend with the portfolio.

Quick requirements

First-time landlords, house-hackers, and anyone whose forever home is quietly step one of a portfolio.

✓ Investment loans: typically 15–25% down and modestly higher rates✓ Projected rent can help you qualify — the property carries part of its own weight✓ House-hack route: buy a primary (even 0–3.5% down), live there, rent it later — cheaper entry, same destination✓ Reserves matter: lenders want cushion for the vacant months✓ Your primary home's equity can fund the down payment via HELOC or cash-out

General guidelines, not a loan offer — programs and terms depend on your full picture.

Your first rental: the play Nic ran himself.

How it works

Quick requirements

Ready for real numbers?