Duplex House Investing

[Ryan Murray]

Hello everyone, I come here looking for some advice. I have been thinking about moving to Austin after high school and investing in a multifamily homes through a FHA loan. I was wondering what your experiences are with multi family house investing. Should I look into duplex or something larger? what should I look out for? just any advice in general would help. I'm not looking to do this immediately, but just an option I'm thinking of.

[Jonathan Lee]

Hi Ryan,

For a first deal, many investors start with a duplex or triplex rather than something larger. It's usually easier to manage, easier to finance, and gives you a chance to learn the basics of landlording without taking on too much risk right away. FHA allows up to four units as long as you live in one of them, so it can be a powerful way to build experience and equity early.

The biggest things to pay attention to are making sure the rent numbers are realistic, budgeting for maintenance and vacancies, and understanding the ongoing costs like insurance and property taxes. It’s also important to be prepared for the responsibility of being a landlord while living on the property and to choose a location where rental demand is steady. Happy to connect to discuss further.