Duplex rezoned as SFH - buying from my brother

[John McCurley]

Writing from Fort Worth Texas

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advise. My brother owns and lives in a 1:1 2 unit duplex. When he bought it a few years ago, it had been abandoned for a number of years. During the time it was abandoned zoning laws in the area changed and because of that it is now considered a SFH even though it is two units. He's offered to sell it to me now that he's married and kids on the way.

Wanted to ask has anyone ever heard of a situation like this? Is it tricky having a duplex that isn’t separately metered? Are there any things I should look out for?

Wondering if it would be worth the effort to have them be separately metered again or if I should just rent out both sides under one water/ electric bill?