I am trying to get a duplex that I will live in and rent out.

Eventually when I have saved up enough capital I would like to house hack a duplex with an FHA loan, but I'm a little confused on how the whole purchase process works.

I've been searching for just about 2 years, the closest we've come to getting one was a bidding war on a duplex near Duke (we lost - by a lot).This would be our first home and I'm wondering if any of the folks at BP have some suggestions for us? 

I am wondering if I need to get a realtor involved or what should be my next steps in buying my first duplex to house hack? 

Hi Marian,A few thoughts, although I don't always advise pulling money out of your house if you cannot afford the additional cost of mortgage.Depending on availability in the area I would recommend finding a duplex/triplex that you can put 20% down on  using 100k of your capital and spending the 75K on the carrying cost and fix up.Search beyond your local area. 

I am in the process of having a duplex built in Houston and I may have the option to add some amenities which will increase rent.

So I have had my eyes on this duplex for a while now, it is if off market and technically not for sale.

The property is technically two identical duplexes right next to each other on one tax parcel of land.

It is more economical to do it all at once.Winterizing often leaves you with some cracked fittings or faucets in the basement, which are easy to replace, but the main goal is to preserve the water heater, toilets and the in wall plumbing from frost damage.

And by the way I have a possible deal on 6 duplexes (12 units) and could use some hard money lenders.SummaryPurchase = 40kRehab = 160kTotal = 200kAfter