Negative Cash Flow on an owner occupied?

[Kory Lutes]

Hey BP,

So I've been on the hunt recently for deals and I found this place that is great! As I've been crunching my numbers I always tend to come to the point where I realize, I will be occupying half of  this 2-unit property so when it tells me the cash flow I get a negative result. Now I tell myself, this is an up and coming area, real estate prices are increasing here, and with a little bit of sweat equity I can rent this place for more which will get my cash flow in the black. Has anyone else started off in a scenario like this as well and have any advice to help me just fight through and get the deal? Any stories on what one had to do to get their properties cash flowing? This will be my first deal and I appreciate any feedback, thank you.

[Chris Mason]

Owner occupied duplexes are only truly cash flow negative if the portion of the mortgage and expenses that your tenant does not cover is more than what you'd be paying in rent.