My partners and I are discussing placing an offer on a duplex that has an in-ground pool fenced in on one side of the property. Only one unit in this duplex has access to the pool, as the back yard is fenced off appropriately per unit. We have differing opinions on the value and liabilities that this pool brings to the property. This duplex is currently occupied by a couple and their son - the couple on one side and the son on the other. Therefore, there is no relevant rental history that we can access. 

Based solely on our realtor's estimated rent for each unit, the numbers work out great, even with conservative estimates on costs. We would be doing an owner-occupy for 1 year, so that would give us the option to test the market for the unit with the pool, or spend up to $7,000 to remove the pool in that year. 

Has anyone had experience with rental units with a pool in the midwest? Do you think that the pool adds value to the unit, even considering a possibly higher vacancy rate? 

I appreciate the advice!