Tips on Finding a Duplex (1st timer)

[Connor Umfleet]

Hi All!

I am 24 years old and I work as an accountant with a 70k salary with some money saved up. I was planning on renting a first apartment, but the idea purchasing a duplex and renting out half of it sounds like it will benefit me much more.

Could someone give me some tips on finding these properties? I’ve looked on some apps, but they seem tough to find. Is it better to go through a real estate agent? Or do most people just find listings on the web? Any other tips for a first timer at this stage are appreciated.

[Aaron K.]

Redfin is the most helpful site to find these type of listings as they have a filter for multifamily. Also people don't know how to put their properties in MLS so I also suggest once you've looked through the multifamily category, set the filters to show townhomes and condos while setting the max HOA to $0. In my area this shows you even more multifamily that gets overlooked because agents don't know how to use MLS. You'll probably need an agent when you get ready to buy but while you're just browsing this should suffice.