[W Cole]

Buying a duplex or triplex and living in one is apparently (just learned this myself) called “house hacking.” If you’re looking for more info you may want to google that.

Getting financing on up to 4 units owner occupied shouldn’t be an issue vs normal resi. The issue may be if you can’t qualify for the entire mortgage, not sure if a bank will let you qualify including 3rd party income, especially if the property isn’t occupied.

Look up cost segregation. I think that’s the only way you can make the numbers pencil vs just investing in th S&P. Obviously the barriers to entry are super low so any “idiot” can do it, this couple with fanny/Freddie issuing debt up to 80% LTV means returns for 1-4 units properties are super low.

Also, as far as fixing up yourself. As someone with 8 years in commercial RE consulting for the worlds largest comm RE firm and who just spent 3 years rebuilding his condo from the studs in, id say be your own GC and pay subs for the major work and do a little here and there where the trades don’t overlap. If the numbers don’t work paying someone a market wage then don’t do the deal.