HouseHack Seattle

10/16/2026

What went into buying the property, choosing the strategy, and setting the budget? That’s the conversation we’ll have as we walk through projects on our HouseHack Seattle Real Estate Investment Tour.

Join us Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM
We’ll explore a 3-pack development and a single-family home flip turned short-term rental, with a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU).

We’ll break down the acquisition costs, renovation and development budgets, financing, and assumptions about potential rental income. We’ll also discuss permitting, subdivision, and plans to sell or hold.

Space is limited, property addresses will be shared with registered attendees.

RSVP required: https://www.meetup.com/house-hack-seattle/events/316965493/

10/14/2026

How does an ADU connect to water, sewer, and power?

David Weisser explains that water and sewer can often connect to the main home’s existing lines. Electrical service is a separate consideration: some jurisdictions allow a shared connection, but his team installs a new service, panel, and meter because the existing supply often cannot support both homes.

If you’re planning an ADU, ask your builder how each utility will be handled on your property.

Which utility connection have you discussed with your builder so far?

10/08/2026

Comparing a DADU project with a townhouse development? Permitting and infrastructure deserve a closer look.

In this panel discussion, the speaker explains why he gravitates toward single-family DADU projects. He points to faster permitting and the additional infrastructure costs larger projects can involve, including sidewalks, street improvements, and electrical and sewer connections.

When you compare development opportunities, which is harder to assess upfront: the permitting timeline or the infrastructure costs?

10/05/2026

How much time should you allow to build an ADU?

In this conversation, the builder estimates around three months for permitting and six months for construction. That’s roughly nine months, but he recommends customers plan for 12. Permitting varies by jurisdiction, and contractor ex*****on can stretch the project further.

If you’ve built an ADU, which stage took longer than you expected: permitting or construction?

10/01/2026

Looking at a property with a future DADU in mind? Pay attention to where the existing house sits and how someone would reach the detached unit.

A house positioned toward the front of a large lot can leave more flexibility behind it. A long, narrow lot may make access difficult, while a rear alley or corner frontage can open up additional options.

If you’re considering a DADU, what would the access route look like on your property?

09/29/2026

Thinking about buying an investment property or going into a deal with a partner? Join us this Thursday!

Our next HouseHack Seattle Happy Hour is all about what to check before you put your money into a real estate deal or business partnership.

Elissa Wu, CPA, CFE, Principal Forensic Accountant at Summit Forensics, will walk us through:

• Which financial records to ask for
• How to check whether the projections hold up
• How to evaluate each partner’s contributions
• Financial red flags to watch for before committing

Whether you’re just getting started or already investing, come learn a practical approach you can use on your next opportunity—and meet other local house hackers and investors.

📅 Thursday, October 1
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM PT
📍 Compass Fremont
837 N 34th St #100, Seattle

Have a friend you’ve been talking about investing with? Bring them along!

RSVP here to join us → https://www.meetup.com/house-hack-seattle/events/316049671/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=event_card_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=192193097

See you Thursday!

A deal can look incredible on paper and still be a bad investment.

Before you put money into a real estate opportunity or enter a business partnership, would you know what to check?

That's what we're getting into at the next HouseHack Seattle event.

We're bringing in Elissa Wu, CPA, CFE, Principal Forensic Accountant at Summit Forensics, for a practical conversation about what to review before contributing money.

Rather than simply looking at the pitch, Elissa will show attendees how to take a closer look at the financial information behind an opportunity.

You'll learn how to:
• Know which financial records to request
• Test the assumptions behind projections
• Evaluate what each partner is actually contributing
• Recognize potential financial red flags
• Ask better questions before committing capital

Elissa draws on her experience supporting federal financial investigations and working with business owners, real estate investors, and attorneys.

Whether you're a newer investor evaluating a deal for the first time or someone who has been investing for years, the basic question is the same:

Do you actually know what you're investing in?

Come learn a practical framework you can use when evaluating your next opportunity.

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Compass Fremont - 837 N 34th St #100, Seattle, WA

RSVP Here: https://www.meetup.com/house-hack-seattle/events/316049671/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=192193097

09/28/2026

A DADU can be more than a rental you keep.

In this panel discussion, we explain how condominium ownership can create an option to sell a detached accessory dwelling unit separately. That connects an investor’s development plan with a home a buyer can purchase. The White Center price example is from the recording, not a current listing offer.

If you were adding a DADU, would your goal be rental income or a separate sale -and why?

09/14/2026

Where do midterm rentals actually work?

Dennis Nguyen's answer: look for hospitals and clinics nearby. He searches "hospitals" on Google Maps to spot the pins, then checks what's for sale close by - Burien, Federal Way, Auburn, and Renton have all worked for his clients.

For tenants, he leans almost entirely on Furnished Finder, with Airbnb as a backup (30-day minimum only, to filter out short stays).

Where have you had luck finding midterm tenants?

09/11/2026

Working hard and having a secure job don’t always go hand in hand.

The speaker believed that putting in the work would mean strong job security. Then he witnessed layoffs at his own company. That experience led him to question whether a corporate career had to be his only path.

Has an experience at work changed what job security means to you?

09/09/2026

"We were renting somewhere else for $1,800 - and for us to own an asset where we only paid $650? That blew my mind."

Dennis Nguyen on the math behind his first house hack: two roommates, minor cosmetic upgrades, real equity. No gut renovation required.

What's stopped you from running these numbers on a property near you?