My plan is to purchase a duplex, but I'm now in the process of doing my research and my homework

Still having problems with the math.  8 units all occupied is 100% occupied.....not 80%.Finding a deal on an occupied MF is more challenging because the owner is receiving income and is often less motivated to sell.  

My initial offers are typically low ball, but those low ball offers make the math work to help us achieve our RE goals.

Do your homework and firm up your numbers.  

While doing my homework, I stubbled upon this site.

Hi Josh, I see that you've made a mistake in your math.

But that could be because I am an agent and my real estate math brain counts in increments of $15000,$15900,$16000,$16500,16900.Always evaluate your rentals as if you are hiring a property manager to handle the day to day operations of your property.

Do your homework, use a professional and seek objective 3rd party advice.Hope that helps!

An engineer can do the math and tell you what sized beams to install and where.

I'm not a doomsday thinking guy, but I think a lot of pensions math simply don't work out.