Can I pay mortgage with loan / credit until I find a renter?

[Eliza B.]

Hello!

I've found a rental property I'd love to buy, but the only problem is it doesn't have renters in it yet. 

Is it ok for me to use a loan or low-interest credit line of my own to pay the mortgage on the duplex before I get renters in it? Once the property has renters, the mortgage can easily by paid by the renters, with a little cash flow left over, with what the market value is for rents in the area for this size of duplex, etc. But is it ok to plan to possibly have to pay the mortgage with my own loan / credit until I find renters? Of course I'd hope I could find renters asap, but in case it takes time, is this strategy ok or unwise?  

Thank you!!

[Christine Kankowski]

You should plan to have enough savings to cover down time in rent and repairs.  If you dont have the basics, you are in for some tough times if the water heater breaks, or the heater goes out.  You really need some type of buffer, because things do come up.