hello from Burlington, VT. New member looking to buy duplex as first home & investment

[Nicole Carey]

Hello, 

I am new here but have been super into learning as much as I can. The podcasts are so great and I am about to start reading the guide. 

I live in Burlington, Vermont where I make and sell handmade women's clothing and accessories. In addition to that I sell on Etsy and in boutiques around the country. I also purchase supplies wholesale and have a reselling shop which has been great and has allowed me to work for myself full time. (Yay!) 

Introduction:  My husband and I are trying to buy our first home in Chittenden County, Vermont. Ideally we were looking to purchase a single family home outside of Burlington. After doing quite a bit of research I think that buying a duplex would be a great first home for us if we could make it work. Neither of us are too handy unfortunately but I am very open to learning! I am self employed and work from home so my schedule is flexible enough to be a landlord and the timing is right. 

I am currently taking a home buying class with the Champlain Housing Trust and there is a locally offered landlord class which I will be signing up for. They also have free plumbing and electrical workshops which I want to go to. 

Thanks BP for all of the generous information for a newbie to gobble up!