Half a duplex

[Phyllis Be]

Hi,

I have an opportunity to own 1/2 a duplex at 1800 sf for 50,000 in a low income area of Connecticut. Is it worth purchasing only 1/2 the house? I am concerned that if I put tenants in there I could get push back from the existing owners.

I appreciate your thoughts.

-Phyllis 

[Michele Fischer]

Duplexes don't sell that way in my area, but is it really any different from a townhouse or condo? I guess there is more interaction about the joint work that needs to be done rather than an HOA. Do you know if other duplexes in the area are mostly owner occupied or rentals?

I would knock on the door of the other side and have a talk with them.  Ask them what their plans are, what their ideal situation would be for the other side, what their experience has been and what their intentions are.  Maybe you can buy his side down the road, or sell your side to him down the road.

If you have other options that are less risky, I'd go that route, but this wouldn't be a deal killer for me.  I might use a professional property manager so that I don't get stuck managing the expectations and outcomes.