(575) 323-1491

Guide to Buying a Duplex for Beginners

Posted by Grant Cardone


There are several options available when choosing which type of investment property to purchase. Is a duplex the right option for you?

Investing in any rental property is a great way to start investing, and as a beginner real estate investor, you may be wondering what type of rental property you should start with. You may not realize that duplexes are great properties for first-time investors, so let’s talk about why.

Unlike other rental properties, duplexes can be a home for two families. This feature alone creates plenty of reasons why they’re the ideal beginner real estate investment. But before we get into that, let’s go over what a duplex is. Later, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of buying a duplex and the process for investing in one.

What is a duplex?

A duplex is a multifamily home with two units which are either stacked or separated by a concrete wall. Each unit has its own entrance. Occupants cannot access the other side unless they exit their current unit and walk over to the other side’s front door.

  • Two-unit multi-level home or separated by a concrete wall
  • Two separate entrances
  • Tenants are separated

Duplexes aren’t extremely popular since people generally want their own space. However, they are great choices for a place to live while a person works on their credit or works toward buying their own house. They are more popular in dense areas with the lower-middle working class.

Why buy a duplex?

Duplexes are great for beginner real estate investors. Buying a duplex can be more profitable and less risky than buying a single-family home.

With a duplex, you’re receiving rental income from two tenants within one property. The cost of major repairs, such as a new roof or siding, is being paid for from the income of two tenants instead of just one.

Having an extra rental unit in the property also protects you from vacancies. With a single-family rental, if your tenant leaves, you’re left covering the cost of the entire property without receiving rent. With a duplex, you’re still collecting rent from one tenant even if one of the units is temporarily vacant.

Buying a duplex also gives you the option to stay in one unit while renting out the other. Doing this naturally attracts more respectful tenants.

Here’s why:

Tenants who are willing to rent out next to their landlord are generally more cautious of their behavior on the property.

Buying and renting a duplex is a great source of rental income. And when you’re ready to sell the property, you can count on it having great resale value due to the limited supplies of duplexes in the country.

Pros of buying a duplex

There are many benefits to buying a duplex rental property. A duplex will provide you with more than just rental income—it will allow you to learn as a beginner real estate investor while building equity in your investment.

Another benefit to buying a duplex is that they may serve as great Airbnb rental properties if they are eligible. If you live in a market with demand for short-term rentals, you may be able to supplement your rental income between tenants.

Duplexes also have great real estate value. Since a duplex will always provide cash flow for an investor, there will always be a demand for them.

  • Introduces beginner real estate investors into real estate
  • Builds equity
  • Generates rental income
  • Has good resale value
  • Airbnb Opportunity

Cons of buying a duplex

Some properties are built to be a duplex, but many others are converted from single family homes. A converted property like this may have some issues that you wouldn’t find in other types of rental properties.

The investor that converted the home may not have separately metered the electricity for both units. This is fine if you intend to include the electricity in the rent, but it leaves you committed to that model.

Duplexes that were constructed as a two-family property were normally built with soundproofing in mind, but those that used to be a single-family home are notorious for noise complaints between tenants. In some properties, tenants may be able to hear what their neighbor is saying if they’re standing in a certain place. This can lead to increased tenant turnover and vacancies.

Also, while a duplex will normally provide better cash flow than a single-family rental, it’s still very limited compared to a larger multifamily property. The more units you have under one roof, the less your expenses are per unit. Having more than just two units will also keep you better protected from vacancies.

Finding a duplex for sale

Finding a duplex isn’t as simple as finding a single-family home in most cases. There aren’t as many on the market, and they often get sold to other investors quickly.

You can look for multi-unit rental properties on sites like Zillow, and you may even be able to find some on commercial real estate listing sites like Loopnet.

However, many of the rental properties that are on the market long enough to be found on these sites are overpriced or in poor shape. This is because the good deals usually get snatched up before they make it that far.

If you contact a real estate agent looking for a good investment property, be ready to show proof of funds or the ability to get financing. Agents that work with investment properties often have other investor clients willing to buy these properties, so you want to make sure they know you’re serious and capable.

One of the best ways to find a good deal on a duplex is through networking with other investors. Most cities have local investor groups with regular meetings. Start attending their networking events and let other investors know what you’re looking for. Chances are, they know somebody who has one they’re willing to sell.

Financing the purchase of a duplex

If you already have enough income to support the payment of a rental property, you should be able to get a conventional loan to purchase a duplex. If the units are already leased, the lender may count the rental income toward your income. However, they will likely reduce it some to account for vacancy.

The down payment can often be the most difficult part of buying an investment property for a new investor, and the down payment on a duplex will probably be between 20% – 25%. Some lenders may allow the seller to finance a portion of the down payment, but discuss this with the lender ahead of time.

The loan process may be easier if you work with a lender that specializes in rental property loans. Mortgages for an investment property are considered commercial loans when they’re not owner occupied. Commercial loans usually have a balloon payment in 5 – 10 years, and they may have a prepayment penalty for the first few years.

Duplex owners with at least one year of experience as a real estate investor are usually able to secure financing for additional rental properties more easily, so the process gets simpler as you gain experience.https://www.youtube.com/embed/-emW5T8xTVw

Buy a duplex by house hacking

Duplexes provide a unique strategy for buying a property as an investment. You can potentially buy a duplex as a primary residence to take advantage of financing options like FHA loans or VA loans. This strategy is commonly referred to as “house hacking”.

This strategy works by purchasing a duplex as your primary residence, living in one unit, and renting the other unit to a tenant. FHA and VA loans allow you to do this since it will be an owner-occupied home.

The benefit to house hacking is that you can get an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down and a VA loan for as little as $0 down. You’ll also get a lower interest rate than you would with other conventional loans.

Once you’ve owned the duplex for a year, you can count the rental income from the second unit as income to purchase a new property. As long as you can meet Federal Housing Administration requirements, you can refinance the first duplex and use another FHA loan to buy another multifamily home. You’ll just have to live in the second one as your primary residence.

Here are the steps:

  • Step 1: Find a duplex at a price you can afford the mortgage payments.
  • Step 2: Purchase the property with an FHA or VA loan.
  • Step 3: Live in the property for one year while collecting rent on the second unit.
  • Step 4: Refinance the duplex with a conventional loan.
  • Step 5: Purchase another duplex with another FHA or VA loan.
  • Step 6: Move into the second duplex.
  • Step 7: Find a second tenant for the first duplex.
  • Step 8: Rent the second unit out in your new duplex.
  • Step 9: Collect rent on three units while living in one.
  • Step 10: The amount of rental income you collect now should allow you to easily finance the purchase of more rental properties.

Before renting your duplex, learn how to properly handle the leasing process. This involves writing the lease, accepting deposits, setting up payments, and other business matters. If you can, find someone to talk to about the process—maybe someone who has bought and rented out a duplex before. Otherwise, read as much as you can and learn as you go.

Managing your new rental properties

Managing your duplex will be fairly easy if you live in one of the units. Property management gets more difficult when you’re not already on site.

You’ll want to visit the property regularly to make sure there aren’t any visible problems. Things like roof damage, clogged gutters, or broken screens often go unreported by tenants. These small issues can later turn into big, expensive problems.

You also have to be diligent in collecting rent. If you make it a habit to allow late rent payments, it can quickly become the standard. It’s often easier, and less expensive, to quickly get rid of a tenant that has problems paying rent. The eviction process takes time, so waiting until they are already behind can delay the time it takes to find a tenant that will pay.

It doesn’t usually make sense to pay a property manager when you only own a few rental properties. As your portfolio grows, a good property manager may be well worth the management fee they charge. Having somebody to quickly handle repairs and collect rent can save you significantly more than the cost of their fees.

Is a duplex right for me?

Investing in duplex real estate is for the ambitious risk takers who want to begin their investing journey. It’s for the people that understand the benefits of real estate investing and want to grow their portfolio with multiple units.

This isn’t right for someone who doesn’t want to take on responsibility or learn about business. Investing in a duplex can be extremely rewarding and profitable for the people who have their hearts in it.

Whether a duplex is right for you or not, real estate investing is proven to be one of the most secure and profitable investments available. Besides, no other investments have the tax benefits that real estate provides.

One of the fastest ways to success in real estate is to partner with somebody who’s been through it all before and has a proven track record of success. Grant Cardone has built a real estate portfolio with over 7,000 units, and he knows how to maximize the cash flow from each one of them.

Partnering with Cardone Capital will allow you to take advantage of the greatest multifamily investment opportunities available. It’s the fastest way to grow a profitable real estate portfolio that provides consistent cash flow while building equity.

If you want to explore other real estate investing options besides buying a duplex, click below to schedule a call with our team! SCHEDULE A CALL

Share on

*The information provided is for convenience only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation, it does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities, and it may not be relied upon in considering an investment in a Cardone fund. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns expected returns or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All securities involve risk and may result in partial or total loss. Investment in Cardone funds is available only to independently verified “accredited investors” through an offering made in accordance with Rule 506(c) under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Before investing in any Cardone fund, prospective investors should consider carefully the investment objective(s), risks, arches, and expenses. While the data we use from third parties is believed to be reliable, we cannot ensure the accuracy or completeness of the data provided. Cardone Capital does not provide legal or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult with a tax or legal adviser before making any investment decision.

**Targeted IRR and Equity Multiple listed above represents the property’s internal rate of return (IRR) or Equity Multiple based on the property’s forecasted cash flows generated over a period of time and the amount invested in the property. This is different from the forecasted IRR or Equity Multiple to the investor in the applicable fund or other investment vehicle.

***We temporarily ceased distributions for 3 months in response to COVID-19 as a business decision to protect the Fund and also in accordance with the Operating Agreement. We have since started making distributions again. There could be reasons in the future that we similarly make the decision to cease distributions if it is in the best interest of the Fund.

The website may contain forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause an investment’s actual results to be materially and adversely different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns, or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All securities involve risk and may result in partial or total loss. Before making an investment decision with respect to any offering, potential investors are advised to carefully read the related subscription and offering memorandum documents and to consult with their tax, legal and financial advisors. Cardone Capital does not give investment advice or recommendations regarding any offering posted on the website.

Article Source