I am going to close on a duplex and I just found out the tenants are a month and a half behind in their rent.  

Hi there bigger pockets members I’m a first time buyer and found a house sooner than I though and I don’t have the down payment witch is 3.5% I need to have 20,000 down what’s the best way to come up with the money or...

If there isn't a set space for each tenant's dog, make sure you require renters to have insurance-- dogs fight, and vet bills are very expensive, and they will be quick to involve the rich landlord and somehow try and make it your fault.Lastly.... how the dog acts is  99% reflective of  the owner, we have one duplex unit, she has 4 dogs, takes A+ care of them, walks them, lets them out.. 0 damage to the unit.. so it's really all about the owner!  

What is the best way to evaluate a duplex deal?

I may be purchasing a property shortly, but I also have leads on 2 duplexes and a SFH. 

One duplex I had inspected a few years ago, the back of the house was separating from the rest of the house.

I don’t remember the addresses, but one was a 100 year old duplex with major structural issues surrounding a central stairwell and the other was a 1950’s build with a block wall tuck under garage that was beginning to shift, causing issues throughout the house.

@Chris MacDonald  I am not a CPA but I am and have been a real estate professional for tax purposes for 40 plus years.. so I write every single trip off.. as I am always looking at new deals.when I was in Thailand last week I met with a condo developer who was offering 7% guaranteed rental returns.. on his condos went on a tour got the brochures and am considering that investment.. so that is a business trip. 

Its listed as a SFH and is considered one by the county but has a 2 story duplex in the back that needs some extensive repairs from water damage but the actual house is in decent shape.

After recently refinancing a duplex, the remaining equity will allow me to open an interest-only HELOC with a maximum withdrawal amount of $21,300.