I don't know your criteria for a good deal, but if you're strictly looking on market for a quad in Raleigh you likely won't find one in the near future that meets what you're looking for.

But it's not strictly required. 

Legal ConsiderationsZoning & Regulations: Make sure the property is zoned for a duplex and complies with local regulations.

@Lena CastellanoTo prepare for your first real estate purchase next year, explore house hacking options, research rental regulations, network with contractors and investors, practice deal analysis, join local REI groups, and connect with agents.

You can use conventional financing, up to a fourplex, and if you live in one unit you may reduce some of the property tax for the space you live in as it is your primary residence and you can also buy with very little down as opposed to buying it strictly as an investment property.Duplexes are a great option and you generally also always have at least one paying tenant and can be bought similarly.

There are pros and cons to long term and short term from a rental management side, and purchase/acquisition.Long term = lower vacancy, lower expenses, potentially lower revenueShort Term = higher vacancy, higher expenses, potential for higher revenue, financing is more expensive than long term rentalsWatch out for local STR regulations, they vary from city to city.

For instance, posting a home could potentially violate various laws that listing agents are trained to navigate, such as Fair Housing regulations and the recent NAR settlement.I’d recommend establishing a solid relationship with a listing agent.

-> We reject 95% of the deals we analyze -> Most don't meet our strict criteria-> for safety and returns.If you've been considering diversifying into real estate but aren't sure where to start, let's connect.

And do not go into over-saturated, over-regulated areas....do your homework big time...

It’s common to hit some hurdles with traditional lenders, especially when LTV requirements are strict or when cash flow doesn’t align with standard underwriting practices.If you're looking to refinance quickly and pull out cash, private lenders might be more flexible with both LTV and the cash-out process.