Did you know you can cover your mortgage—or even pay it entirely—by renting out the other unit? Buying a duplex isn’t just homeownership; it’s your entry ticket into wealth-building real estate investing.

Picture this: you move into one side, rent out the other, and suddenly your biggest monthly expense becomes income—or disappears completely. But without a clear roadmap, you risk costly mistakes. Let’s get strategic.

Want the exact playbook pros use to find, finance, and close duplex deals with confidence? Keep reading.

1. Start with the Why & Secure the Right Financing

Leverage Owner‑Occupied Loans
FHA and VA loans let you buy a duplex with as little as 3.5% down or even $0 (VA) if you live in one unit and rent the other—it’s the perfect house-hacking strategy.

Build Equity & Cash Flow
With two income streams, you build equity faster and offset your mortgage early.

2. Target High-Potential Areas & Use the 1% Rule

Set Clear Investment Criteria
Look for neighborhoods with strong rental demand, amenities, and stable growth.

Apply the 1% Rule
A good duplex should generate monthly rent at least 1% of the purchase price—e.g., $3,000 in rent for a $300,000 property.

3. Do the Math & Get Pre‑Approved

Get Pre‑Approval to Compete
A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a competitive edge.

Plan for Hidden Costs
Reserve 1–3% of the purchase price annually for repairs, maintenance, insurance, and potential vacancies.

4. Negotiate, Inspect & Validate

Make Strong Offers
Stand out with a solid earnest money deposit, flexible terms, and short due-diligence periods.

Perform Thorough Due Diligence
Inspect shared systems (plumbing, electrical, roofs), verify zoning compliance, and ensure the layout supports separate living spaces and privacy.

5. Launch with a Strong Tenant Strategy

Create Clear Lease Agreements
Set expectations: define rent collection, maintenance responsibilities, and communication guidelines upfront.

Manage or Outsource
Self-manage your first duplex to save money and gain experience, then consider hiring a property manager as your portfolio grows.

Monopoly with Real Benefits
Buying a duplex is like owning two properties in Monopoly—you collect rent from both sides and build wealth faster.

Conclusion
Your first duplex isn’t just a home—it’s a wealth-generator. When done right, it delivers passive income, equity growth, and essential hands‑on experience to scale your real estate portfolio.

Ready to start your house-hacking journey?
📲 DM me “DUPLEX” today or schedule a call—and let’s find your wealth-building property.