I just need to know if it's a bad idea to hold onto your house if the rent will only cover mortgage or possibly be lower than your mortgage cost. 

@Michael LipariIf I allowed taxes to drive my business decisions, I would have seconded the idea proposed by @Alex Olson and @Corby Goade.

The owner will have to clean up and board it up.Even better, I like the idea to buy it!

It seems like "most" lenders (at least the ones I've talked to) don't like the idea of rent-by-the room on a primary ... so they can't count my income on that particular property and they are requiring a 1 year lease on the whole house instead of multiple mid-term leases ... so essentially they want a long term lease.

Hi Michael, If you are looking at a bridge for a fix and flip (either to BRRRR or to flip), typically HML will want to see purchase price, your track record, your credit score, your reserves, your SOW and an idea of your exit plan and ARV. 

I'd sure appreciate any ideas you may have for that!

@Haleigh Fulmer that sounds like a good idea.

My wife and I are tossing around the idea of selling our current home and buying a duplex, moving into the vacant side so we can purchase with less money down and begin our investment journey.here are the details:Sale Price: $250,000both sides are 3 bed 2 bath with one car garagethe listing says the occupied side rents for $1,100location i would classify as high C low B, mainly because everything around is rentals.2853 Hemlock Ct Cape Girardeau MOThoughts, Advice would be greatly appreciated!

That’s a good idea.

I have no idea what the 50% or 4% rules are and I'm in a heavily appreciating market.