, reducing your housing costs.Potentially higher cash flow.Cons:More intensive management (two tenants, two leases).Can be harder to finance than single-family homes.May not appreciate as quickly in some markets.Here's where I need YOUR input!

Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman: I would look for other ways to legally reduce income such as cost segregation studies.

They already lost some major players due to the state capping rates https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/california-insurance-c... will all insurance companies stop coverage, raise rates or reduce what they cover?

Use your HELOC to purchase the duplex outright for $118K.Your brother’s $50K down payment can immediately go toward reducing your HELOC balance, leaving a remaining balance of $68K.Create a formal lease-to-own agreement with your brother.

Quote from @Michael Challenger: I have no qualms with hard money lending, but I need to learn more about the process and structure to these for typical deals so that I am more comfortable and in a position to reduce my personal risk and risk to investors as much as possible.

Originally posted by @David Dachtera:@Eric Jones*THAT* is what mortgage acceleration is all about: Reducing the total interest paid while reducing the number of payments. 

After selling one and using a 1031 exchange to buy a fourplex in Chicago, he reduced his interest burden by 20% while boosting his net incomes by $1,500 per month.

Diversifying geographically can also reduce risk and increase long-term returns.For example, there are several markets across the U.S. that are ideal for new investors because they offer affordable entry points, reliable cash flow, and strong economic fundamentals.

Purchase price: $715,000 Cash invested: $297,000 Current Price: $830,000 (originally $950,000 on 4/13/2024, reduced by $120,000 in 6 months).

All else being equal, lower mortgage rates reduce the cost of ownership and, thereby, allow more people to afford to buy.