convert a single family into a duplex

[Imran Malik]

hi i am new to bigger pockets, so still trying to get a feel for everything and getting used to moving around on the site, but i do have question , a friend of mine is selling his single family house in fort worth texas , it needs quite a bit of work but who do i call or what department in that city to find out if that house can be turned into a duplex and are their any fees from the city involved, would appreciate any helpful info i can get , i was thinking of step 1- finding out if i can legally convert that house into a duplex

 step 2- get a house inspection

step 3- get a contractors estimate of converting into a duplex

step 4- negotiate a price with the seller

step 5- only proceed if the number are right after crunching in the bigger pocket tools 

[Clarence Johnson]

Swap step two and three.  If the contractors estimate (usually free) is too much then you can move on to the next project with no money out of pocket.  If you get an inspection prior to the estimate then the money spent for the inspection could be possibly a waste.