Split Level Houe to a multifamily

[Tony Powell]

Hey BPers!

My name is Tony Powell I reside in the state of Georgia and I looking to get into Multifamily Investing. Although I have had the shiny object syndrome of learning about wholesaling, flipping, and wholesale lease options, I've always wanted to own a duplex!  Live in one side and rent out the other.  House hacking!! I've been looking mainly through Zillow for duplexes.  I see some here and there.  But when I told a friend of mine about my idea, he suggested that I look for a split level house and convert it into duplex.  Sounds cool.  There are way more split level houses in Georgia than duplexes.  Now my question is can this be done?  And I know zoning CAN be an issue. What about separate meters ( cost ).  Has anyone done this before? 

If possible I would stay in the lower level and rent out the top level. 

Please BPers give me some feedback!!!  ( I thank you in advance )