Garden Unit vs. Duplex Down

[Art Maydan]

Here in Chicago, we have a lot of multi-families with garden units. They’re perfect for house hacking, but what are the implications when it’s time to move on and rent out the property completely? Are leases you put on them less enforceable? Can a disgruntled tenant call the city on you? What happens if that happens? What do most investors do with their garden units?

Finally, what are the pros/cons of duplexing down a garden unit and renting out one giant unit?