Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Shared Duplex

[Ahmad Kakar]

I'm looking into a duplex property that has 1 section available for sale. Trying to think the pros and cons of purchasing just one unit. The other unit isn't for sale as far as I know. Unit in question requires some work and is currently vacant. 

Thanks!

[Walt Dockery]

Originally posted by @Ahmad Kakar:

@Dick Stevens, no NOA fees. Can you give me some examples of the hassles that I can anticipate? The unit I'm looking at needs about 8K in work as well.

When the roof needs to be replaced or house needs to be painted, will other side cooperate and share it?  Does other side rent to loud messy smokers with 3 pit bulls and a car on blocks in the front yard while you want to attract a clean, quiet, non-smoking non pet owning tenant on your side?

As someone who likes his properties clean and well kept, no way in hell would I own one side of a duplex.  I want the lawn/landscaping clean and well maintained, I want to attract good tenants who keep the place clean etc.  When half of the property is out of your control there is no way to maintain any standards as far as how well kept it is.