Triplex House Hack in an Awesome Location in West Wash Park

In this deal analysis, we look at a triplex located near the Wash Park neighborhood in Denver.  This historic home features a main house with two units and a carriage house in the back.  While my client wanted to use an FHA loan for a cheaper down payment, the high price of homes in Denver made it impossible for her to qualify.  But even with 20% down, her returns on this property look great, and she has options to increase them in the future.

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Investment Property Details 

Deal Overview 

This home is located near Wash Park and was built in 1890.  The main house has two units and there’s a carriage house in the back.  The first floor unit in the main house is 2 beds + 2 baths; the upstairs unit is 1 bed + 1 bath; and the carriage house is also 1 bed + 1 bath converted from a garage.  All of the units are separate except for shared laundry.

Appealing Features of the Property 

This is a unique, historic home in an amazing location.  There are already great tenants and rents in place, which made it more attractive to my client.  Because of the layout on the first floor, there is an opportunity to convert the unit into two 1 bed + 1 bath units.  

Property Contract Details

Contract

Initially, my client wanted to use an FHA loan to buy a multi family property.  An FHA loan for a triplex only requires 3.5% down, but in order to use it, the buyer must pass a self-sufficiency test.  This test consists of proving that 75% of the gross rents will cover principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and the monthly FHA mortgage insurance.  

She would not have been able to pass the self-sufficiency test because the home prices in Denver won’t make those numbers work.  Since the main benefit of the FHA loan is the low down payment, she found better rates using a conventional loan with 20% down.  

Inspection Issues 

There were no issues that need to be dealt with right away.  The house is 130 years old and will require maintenance due to its age, but it has been well cared for over the years.  Don’t get scared by old houses, just understand that due diligence is required.  The most important factor is how well the different owners have maintained the property over the years.  In this case, the structure of the house is in great shape and just has an old boiler that needs to be maintained.  

Property Financing Details 

Stabilization: Plan v Reality

The first floor unit rents for $2375, and the upstairs unit rents for $1795.  The owner is currently living in the carriage house.  There is a separate meter for the carriage house, and all utilities are being billed back to the tenants and are charged on top of rent. 

Spreadsheet Analysis 

Because the house is so old, we estimated repairs at 10% instead of the usual 5-8%.  

Property Operating Expenses 

First Year Returns 

My client is essentially living in this house for about $200 a month.  Once she moves on and rents out the carriage house, her cash flow will be around $800 a month.  This is a good long term investment, and with the potential to create a 4^th unit, she could see an even greater return.  

Exit Strategy/ Long Term Plan

She’s planning on living there and house hacking for a year and moving onto the next property.  

In the future, she has the option to convert the first floor unit into two 1 bed + 1 bath units.  There is enough space to add another kitchen without making the units feel cramped.  It would probably cost about $10K-$15K, but it would likely be worth it because of the rent she’d be able to get in this area.

YouTube Video

Drinks and Deep Dives: Denver Room by Room House Hack and Triplex House Hack in West Wash Park