Just starting out- Is this even possible?

[Phillip Dixon]

Hello!

My wife and I are just working on building up some equity. We have a little bit of a suicide-run plan to try to buy a multi-family, and looking for a reality-check if we're going to hard, or perhaps into something that isn't possible for us. I totally welcome all opinions, positive or negative!

On the north shore of MA, we currently own a ~1500 Sqft Condo with about $70k of equity, but the value of our home has increased from about $500k to $630k via local comps & my realtor's estimate.

We are looking to purchase a multi-family local to us. The numbers seem to be in our favor, as well as some changes to local zoning. The home is listed at $720k, but we think we could get in at $680k. There are two units, currently TAW- rented below market value. The units are in tough shape and we'd like to finance additional money for reno & an ADU addition- I assume that we could refresh the interior and convert the attached garage space (200sqft) into a 350-400sqft rent-controlled ADU. I am pretty well locally connected and am not overly concerned about permitting/zoning.

Once complete- even with zero down I estimate- $5092 monthly mortgage (including financed rehab). Both units would potentially rent for 2600/unit. The ADU would additionally add $1500 (set by local ordinance) of potential rental income. Totaling $6738 monthly rent collected. Even budgeting for $1600 of monthly expenses (including vacancy and repairs) we still end up in the clear.

-We aren't overly concerned about turning a huge profit. I figure, in time, as rent increases & we are able to refinance, our profit margin will grow.

-Average yearly increase in property value of a little over 6% makes this feel like a small risk as we could cash out.

-We have just enough income to float the second mortgage in case hell lets loose. Renting our current home in an emergency scenario would help too.

-We have some cash on hand, but I'd prefer to hold it as it's our emergency fund.

Am I insane? If not, would a lender ever agree to do this with me? There is risk there, but plenty of escape plans.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Remember that your best case projections could be completely wrong. We don't know where this economy is headed. Other than that, you have fair chance to succeed.....