203k Benefits to Buyers/Borrowers (not all inclusive) Renovate home with little/no additional out-of-pocket expenseLow down payment (3.5%)Combine purchase/refinance + rehab funds into one low-interest, tax-deductible mortgage which is based on the improved appraised valueInclude mortgage payments into 203k if home is not livable during renovationsSubmit a strong purchase offer if presented properly to sellerBuyers face less competition from other buyers to purchase fixer-uppers, foreclosures or older homes that are outdatedBetter opportunities for "good deals" on home purchasesAbility to purchase properties that may not meet FHA standards and complete the repairs/improvements AFTER the home is purchased.Select from a larger selection of properties for sale (in any condition), including condos, townhouses, mixed-us, multi-family, single-family dwellings and those that do not currently meet FHA standardsWhen offer is presented properly to seller, 203k offers may be advantageous in a competing offer situation as the seller does not have to fix-up or repair the property but instead allow the buyer to include these items into their 203k mortgage and complete the improvements after closing using the buyer's own style and design.203k Benefits to Home Owners & Sellers (not all inclusive)Market property to more buyersAllow buyers the opportunity to renovate, upgrade or improve to suit their tastes and preferencesNo need to settle for low-ball cash offersCurrent condition of property not required to meet FHA's property standardsBuyer is permitted to correct any property deficiencies after close of escrowNo more inspection concernsAbsolutely no repairs are required prior to close of escrowSeller not responsible for cost of repairs/improvementsTransaction will close with property in "AS-IS conditionClosing occurs in 45 days203k Benefits to Realtors® & Lenders (not all inclusive)Increase income by selling more homes and originating more loansRaise real estate values by improving homes and neighborhoodsDecrease foreclosure inventoryHelp buyers who previously could not buy homesHelp seller/owners with properties in outdated or fix-up conditionSpur economic growth by creating job opportunities for the construction/remodeling industryPromote an under-utilized niche program that not many Realtors® or Lenders understandRevitalize your community203k Disadvantages (not all inclusive) upfont MIPMI for life of loanSupplemental origination feeInspection feesTitle update feesmore complexmore moving partshigher interest ratepossible longer closing timeBut working with the right 203k Lender, a contractor with education/experience with the 203k, such as a Certified 203k Contractor, the benefits can definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

If you buy the duplex for $100,000, then you want to be sure that both of the units will bring in a combined amount of $1,000/month. 

It can be useful when used in combination with other comp techniques and tools.The other listing in your community that's stale - is it the same size as your unit?

Are you looking to flip, hold, a combination of both?

What I am considering is applying for a HELOC, so that I would have enough to put 20% down on a multifamily, if I combine it with most of my savings.

Hey friends- Making plans to Refi 3 properties we're holding that have higher rates and ~$300k in combined equity! 

@Robert Saunders  Agree with the above posts, it's using a combination of OPM to reduce your downpayment. 

@Neil Narayan also interesting that the Dallas Fort Worth metro area when combined (because they really do just run together) is larger than Houston.

I'd have conversations with lenders now about the best way to build your capital stack.As far as your analysis:I like 8% Vacancy for MFR.Bump your Repairs and CapEx to ~15% combined. $30k renovation is really all that much, these buildings are 120 years old, and you won't be getting many efficiencies of scale since they're two separate buildings.Management will likely be 10%, unless you have other units already.Insurance looks pretty low.

Your only way out is a combination of lower rents, selective, but meaningful improvements and better management.