Can I get tenants for a multifamily in my area?

[Jessica Long]

We have a SFH that we are considering converting into a duplex (it is a split level with a walk out basement). The numbers absolutely make sense to convert it as far as typical rental for the units for our area.

My main question is how to analyze my area to see if we would be likely to fill the top unit (how do I know families/indiv. would want to rent a home with a basement unit attached). The upstairs is a 4 br, 2 bath, 2 level, open floor plan, large eat in kitchen etc...Not a small space. I have heard from some re agents that families are turned off by units that have an attached unit. Any advice on how to figure this out? I thought about listing it to see the interest level making it clear that it will be the upstairs portion of the home for rent only and that there is a separate basement unit. The basement unit cannot support the whole structure if we want it to cash flow. We need to try to keep both units filled if we can.