All Forum Posts by: Katie Hartung

Dreaming of a low-maintenance, income-generating duplex just outside the Twin Cities? Check out this fully rebuilt duplex in Durand, WI — only 1 hour and 20 minutes from the metro, but a world away in affordability.

🏠 Duplex Highlights:
• Upper Unit: 1 bed / 1 bath | Rents for $900/mo
• Lower Unit: 3 bed / 1 bath | Rents for $1,400/mo (conservative)
• Total Monthly Rent: $2,300
• Separate laundry for each unit
• Attached garage (lower unit), huge basement
• Both units have private decks with gorgeous river views
• Brand new granite kitchens, cabinets, siding, mechanicals — down-to-the-studs remodel

📊 Financial Snapshot (Estimates):
Asking Price: $325,000
Gross Rent: $2,300/month or $27,600/year
Estimated Taxes/Insurance/Maintenance: ~$6,600/year
Projected Net Operating Income (NOI): ~$21,000/year
Cap Rate: ~6.5%
(No major repairs needed – minimal expenses from Day 1)

🛶 Steps from downtown Durand: restaurants, shops, riverfront access
🍷 20 minutes to Pepin & Stockholm – lakeside towns with great dining & boutique shops
🚗 1hr 20min to Twin Cities – great for commuters or attracting urban renters looking to escape the metro

🏡 Perfect for:
✔ First-time investor looking to house hack (live in one, rent the other)
✔ Out-of-state investor seeking stable cash flow
✔ Anyone wanting a like-new build in an up-and-coming Midwest town

Opportunities like this don’t sit long in the Midwest. DM me for a full breakdown or walk through video.

Looking for your first house hack or your next cash-flowing addition to your portfolio? This fully remodeled duplex in beautiful Durand, WI offers an unbeatable opportunity in a growing Midwest market—just 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Twin Cities.

🔹 UPPER UNIT:
– 1 Bed / 1 Bath
– Private deck with breathtaking river views
– Brand new kitchen with granite countertops & custom cabinetry
– Stackable laundry included

🔹 LOWER UNIT:
– 3 Bed / 1 Bath
– Attached garage
– Huge basement for storage or added potential
– Private laundry
– Deck with same scenic river views

This home has been rebuilt from the studs up—essentially a brand new build:
✅ New siding
✅ New windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
✅ Modern finishes throughout both units
✅ Both units have independent utilities and laundry

📍Location Perks:
– Walking distance to charming downtown Durand shops and restaurants
– 20 minutes to Pepin and Stockholm—home to boutiques, wine, and lakefront charm
– Steps from the Chippewa River and nearby trail systems

💡Whether you live in one unit and rent the other or rent both, this property offers flexibility, income, and low maintenance from day one.

The Midwest is gaining traction—don’t miss your chance!

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/617-W-Madison-St-Durand-W...

Duplex offering gorgeous river views.

Upper is 1 bedroom, 1 bath with stackable laundry. Everything is new and also has granite countertops

Lower is 2-3 bedroom, 1 bath. Includes attached garage, large basement, laundry. Again, everything is new and has granite countertops.

This was a massive project that we undertook, and are ready to pass the baton onto the next owners. This house was down to the studs to ensure all was done properly.  Brand new everything...water heaters, HVAC, plumbing, siding, attached garage...All brand new. 

If you are new to investing, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet by living in one unit and renting out the other. Or if you are looking for another rental to add to your portfolio, this is it! 

Current upper unit rent is $900. We have not yet offered to rent the lower unit if the new owner(s) would like to move into a BRAND NEW property. Location is Durand, WI which is only slightly over an hour to the Twin Cities Metro and only 26 miles to Eau Claire which offers all city amenities. 

Tourism has been increasing over the years, as the location is only 20 minutes from the Great River Road. In addition, Buffalo County, known for its massive beauty and nature, is only a few minutes away.

LOTS of OPTIONS with this one!

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/617-W-Madi...

Completely redone down to the studs with River Views!

1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Upper and 3 Bedroom/ 1 Bathroom Lower. 

Both units have washer/dryer

Lower Unit included large basement for games, workout gear, storage, etc. and attached garage. 

Both units have decks to enjoy river views!

Walkable to downtown, grocery store, and shopping. 

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/617-W-Madison-St-Durand-WI-54736/105063009_zpid/?

I was contacted to help manage a STR in my market which is Midwest WI as I already own and manage 3 of my own STRs and am doing well with them. Their property has a TON of potential and I can envision it being a great success. Below is the package I proposed to them as they want to be completely hands off when it is furnished. I would be using my own software and doing the day to day. I have never managed anything other than what has been in our own portfolio which is 3 (although we just closed on our 4th and are going to BRRRR it) long term rentals and 3 short term rentals. When I sent this to the property owner he thought the commission rate was too much. Am I completely off base? I am totally open to ideas and constructive criticism as I stated I am new to this and would like to learn from all of you experts:) Thank you so much in advance!

Here is what I proposed:

• Setup fees : Administration Setup:

One Time Fee: $400

Guidebook: Using professional photos give the guests a professional tour of the house and how the home works (Wifi passwords // How to use grill // How to use propane fireplace // Hot tub instructions // Sauna instructions //Check in and check out instructions //where extras may be stored

OTA (Online Travel Agency) setups: taking professional photos and actively updating your listing on popular platforms;

PMS (Property Management System) Setup

Smart Pricing Set up

Website integration

Other (furniture arrangement / design / décor shopping and set up)

$50 per hour

• · Placement fees
• · Marketing Cost: Variable depending on needs/wants for marketing
  • Facebook Ads
• Google Ads
• Cleaners: Set up procedures/take pics of expectations
• · Management fee—30%

Guest communication

Cleaner communication

Setting Rental rate

Dealing with small maintenance issues

Booking Coordination

Smart Lock integration

Keeping supplies stocked (TP, paper towel, all cleaning products, coffee, filters, creamer, sugars, teas,)

(Receipts would be submitted on a monthly basis for either reimbursement or book keeping purposes)

Encouraging guests to leave good reviews by periodically checking in, providing a review template, and ensuring guests receive the amenities they are looking for

Continued marketing

Major Maintenance fees—Owner

• Cleaning and laundry services fees: Cleaning fee to the guest depending on how cleaner wants to charge

@Joshua Messinger hi! Yes, this helps a lot!! Thank you!!!

@John Underwood thank you! Very appreciated!

@Lien Vuong thank you for the advice!

@Leslie Anne Morris thank you for your input!

@Luke Carl got it. Thank you so much for your input!