Duplex in Northern VA

[Lori N.]

Hi all. I'm going to be a first time investor/buyer in the northern VA or southern MD area. I would love to find a duplex or multifamily listing that would allow me to live in one side and rent the other, but not really seeing a lot for sale now in the area. Does it make sense to look into buying an empty lot and having one built? How does one go about doing that? Who are the builders? Does anyone have any experience with doing something like this in this area? Does anyone have any connections on people who do this? Contractors? Builders? etc?

Any input is appreciated.

Love the site ! :)