Duplex Dilemma to overpay or not to overpay?

[Jorge Hernandez]

Dear Bigger Pockets.

Im a W-2 employee two years out of college living in the Midwest. This year I was finally ready to beat analysis paralysis and start investing. However I’m at a dilemma.

1. I will be house hacking (I close next week) a SFH (B-) with a personal loan , and moving in two years. 10% Down

2. Just got in contract for a duplex (B-) under my LLC with 20% Down , property is ~140k after repairs. (Meets 1% rule)

An opportunity presented to possibly buy a side by side duplex in a B+ neighborhood in a nearby town

Price is 220k , but would need most likely a 240k-250k offer to be competitive. This property would not give me the 1% rule, but it would be an appreciation play. Both sides can be rented for $1800 per month and would cash flow $400 after management fees. My fear with this crazy market is overpaying for a property this much.

Also I would want to buy it under my LLC but paying 20% down would deplete my savings , so I'd have to buy it on the personal side with 10% so that I can retain some cash.

What you keep looking ?

Do you prefer cheaper properties that appreciate less but do meet the 1% ?

Thanks