House Hack - Already have tenants?

[Michelle Elsaid]

Hi everyone,

I want to "house hack" my way into investment properties by buying a duplex, living in one side and renting out the other.

I'm searching the MLS and most of the time there are already renters in place with lease agreements. Since this will be a owner occupied mortgage - I would obviously need to live in one. So, I have two questions:

1. Do I have to honor the lease agreement with previous owner and current tenant?

If not, does anyone have experience asking them to vacate early on lease? Seems tricky.

2. Are sellers LIKELY to sell and terminate lease - since it will likely bring more hardship for them in closing, getting rid of tenants before closing, etc.?

3. If seller is willing to work with me, what would be time frame required of tenant to leave?

I know other things come into play, like how many other buyers are making offers, how long its been on market, but looking for some thoughts!

Thanks!

Michelle