Church conversion into duplex

[Stephanie Cain]

Not new to having rental properties, but not quite sure how to handle this one. Purchased a small church (1500 sq ft) in a small town and are not quite sure what to do. We know we are turning into living space, but would love to make it a 2BR duplex. Might just have to make single family home. It is all open with high ceilings. It does have basement (I would not feel comfortable putting a bedroom down there, but could definitely be used as play room, man cave, etc.) I know it is zoned single family (I have no idea how as it only has 2 half baths. Everything I see on here suggests not to turn single family into duplex as it is not cost effective, however, we could get most $1400 in rent as SFH, and $2000 at least as a duplex. We plan on calling about the zoning on Monday. I realize a lot of this depends on that. Help please! :)