It is a personal expense, just like your food expense.2) Repairs made on the duplex are deductible against the rental income.Improvements:1) Improvements made on the personal side are added to the basis of the property, but you cannot depreciate the personal side of the property.

You are basically taking out a loan for personal use, just as you would spend money out of the credit card to buy a food. 

I would get the right people to green light the safety of removing it, and not just trust my own judgment. 

Just food for thought.

You'll want to look at indirect things such as "warnings to residents not to leave food scraps in hallways" or "needing to replacing damaged wiring" etc. 

Roaches need food and water, and they can't get either from people who keep their place clean.

--details on income and current situation - income wise i make at least $1,000 every two weeks from my current job.i have, in my opinion a great situation, i still live with my parents however all i have to worry about is paying my phone bill and insurance while bringing in some food on the table, so im grateful for my situation so far since it allows me to save as much as i can.#1 - since i have a place to live already, would it be wise to get a duplex (or better) and just be able to rent all the rooms out?

So I'm about ready to begin looking for a first investment property but I need to know how much I should have up front to get the deal done and maybe have a starter safety net for any up front expenses.

If your most important benefit is safety, then stay where you are.

It can be - if for example, the "benefit" provided is in the form of a "service" or an "extension of credit".Food for thought, I think.Carl, looking forward to the webinar.