Best use for 6/3 rental house?

Question

Just went under contract on what will be a 6/3 with separate entrance and 2nd kitchen in the basement.  Conversion to a duplex will be cumbersome, so interested in BPs nation's creative ideas for best use as a single dwelling.

It has 3 entrances, 2 kitchens, 2 fireplaces and 2 parking areas for 7 cars total.   One level with basement, about 2700sqft.

i've considered  a sober living house, renting by the room (only a small community college here and not real close), multi-generational house for the right family, like that.

As a basic house it may rent for $1900 but could be as high as $2400.  Two separate spaces would be rent conservatively for $2600 ish. Would love input from Wenatchee architect @Nik Moushon . It's an off-market deal at $265k.

Does anyone have experience with sober living / transitional housing?   Housing first (no barrier for homeless) is scary  to me although providing to the needy is part of my why.  Thank you for any suggestions.  Just spitball it.  No bad ideas here!

Steve Vaughan · Answer

This is the exact kind of brain-storming I was hoping for, Lynnette.  Great ideas!

I am a Vet and I have placed a few Vets through HUD-VASH, so I will contact them for sure.  That cause would really resonate with me and a form of giving back is what intrigued me enough to buy this.

No real military base around here but good idea there, too 👍

Nik Moushon · Answer

lol never trust the seller's info....there is no such thing as R4.  It could be 1 of 4 zone. RL, RS, RM or NWBD on maiden. Here's the link to the zoning map for you: https://maps.wenatcheewa.gov/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=f0a6287b6c4f447abc291d6f29267145

Nik Moushon · Answer

I'm not exactly sure the building code for renting one floor or "unit" and STR the other....still sounds like it will need to be separated with the proper fire protect. Its probably best & safest to do it that way anyways. Since you are not going to get two parcels for this (a true duplex and not a townhouse) it only needs a 1hr separation which is easy to obtain, especially sine you are already doing some reno on the ceiling. Not sure exactly where this is but I now the city of wenatchee requires a business licence for a STR and Chelan County is currently in a hot mess with possible code changes for STR. I'm considering doing a STR for one side of my duplex but still working on numbers and how practical it would be. Though STRs arent anything new around here they do seem to congregate around the few areas that can actually demand them (i.e. the hospital, mission ridge, leavensworth, etc) and not just anywhere like some bigger cities.

As for a duplex, I really dont think it would be hard to convert it but I would have to see it first hand. I'll send you a PM.

Kendall S Jones · Answer

how about dividing it so you can do a full rental on one part and Airbnb the other. that should be easier than creating a full duplex

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Steve Vaughan sorry I don't have any creative ideas. It sounds like converting to a duplex is the way to go. Two separate parking areas, two kitchens, separate entrances and all the bathrooms seem to make this perfect for a duplex conversion. To overcome the meter issue, you can either split, sub-meter or pay that utility.

The reason I am not in favor of "by the room" is more tenants to deal with, versus a simple two unit. It will also increase value when you go to sell. There may be some up front capital, but I think you will get it back on forced appreciation.

Susan Grinde · Answer

I believe SERVE WENATCHEE has some homes that are part of their Homes of Hope program. The program offers homes to those that are trying to get back on their feet. Try picking their brain about what to do in regards to setting up a home to help the homeless. There is a large need. Blessings to you for wanting to help those that have hit a hard patch in their lives.

Lynnette E. · Answer

How about contacting the local VA and seeing if they have a need for a group home situation for vets?  You kind of rent by the room and have a house keeper come in biweekly or so. Its generally for homeless vets, but its lower risk than general homeless because the VA provides support  to the folks.

Maybe check with the local probation department and see if they need group housing for parolees, but this could get higher risk tenants and possibly place your house on a registry.   They are sort of supervised, sort of...

Do you happen to have a military base nearby?  I know someone who makes bank renting group situations to guys at the military base for short term training.  Its month to month, each guy renting a room, fully furnished.  They stay maybe 6 months at a time and its a flop house, but he gets bank, always has tenants and the rent is paid.  He does have a daily maid come in and do the dishes, vacuum, etc. for 2 hours a day.  That also lets them know they can not totally trash the place, and the maid is a little old lady they feel sorry for if they leave out too many cans and solo cups, so they pick up a little.  They can pay her an extra amount and she will clean their rooms too, if they want.

Steve Vaughan · Answer

Great idea,  Susan.  I'll check with them, HUD, community action and women's resource center.  Get a grasp on what is needed and hopefully an action plan before we begin rehab.  Cheers!

Steve Vaughan · Answer

Thank you for weighing in, Nik. I appreciate your expertise.

Maybe duplexing it wouldn't be as hard as I imagined, other than separating power.  Seller thinks it's zoned R4 but I'll have to dig further.   Can't believe I'm actually considering talking to zoning and planning.  LOL it's within city limits on Maiden near the cemetery.

Yes, I'll PM you. Thanks again!

Steve Vaughan · Answer

Thanks, Kendall. I like the way you're thinking.

An STR would eliminate the need for separate address to receive mail, but only one power and water meter exist. Would I cover and estimate with additonal rent?

Also, the city is obnoxious IMO about code compliance.  I plan to replace the basement ceiling with 5/8 rock (it's a popcorn mess now) for part of the fire suppression requirements,  but would probably run into additional issues with a separate unit, even as an STR.

Good idea. Keep em coming!

Best use for 6/3 rental house?

Most Popular Reply