The duplex scenario is better than the SFH in that you have your own space.

Understand that it takes capital like three or four months rent to have success with each sandwich lease property so if you don't have the money to protect the seller in case the tenant doesn't pay you, don't do sandwiches Also a word about Credit being tight and the tenant buyer having difficulty getting a mortgageDon't put anybody in that property just because They have an option fee. 

We decided to knock down a wall in the kitchen and use some of the garage space added kitchen and eating area, plus close off the 3rd bedroom from the kitchen. 

They really don't need it for storage because there is plenty of storage space.

It had the garage on the main level with the living space above it.

Since the market is tight here at the moment I have not yet been able to find a deal and will start expanding my search to similarly stable working class neighborhoods in other cities (thinking about Elizabeth & Rahway). 

My clients are sophisticated investors and developers, each owning on average about 5-10 million sq/ft of commercial space, and about 2,000-3,000 units. 

This coffee shop asked us if we had any residential space available for rent.

You've found a great resource for connecting with other people in the real estate space and learning more about investing. 

If I knock it down I will have a huge living room and a very open concept but loose som very practical space when the living room is a good size anyway.