Del Valle, TX · Member since 2015 · 33 posts · 5 votes
Hi all, my father-in-law is coming to live with us and has mentioned that he should be able to be approved for a VA loan. My wife and I already have a mortgage but want to start investing in real estate. I asked a realtor friend of mine to look into this and she said he would indeed be able to buy a duplex or fourplex with his VA loan. He has told my wife and I that since he will be living with us, we can buy a property using his VA loan. Does anyone have any experience in doing this and what we need to do?
Wholesaler · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 9 posts · 2 votes
11y
I am working on doing the same thing. For it to work, he has to be living in at one of the units for a year or so. He can get an eligibility letter from the VA. Its a no money down deal. However, the VA is very particular about the housing they fund. The units must meet their standards.
San Jose, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
11y
I don't know anything about the VA loans, but wanted to chime in on my opinion of a duplex vs. a four-plex.
I'd rather own a four-plex. To me, a duplex is like having a roommate. If you get a bad duplex neighbor, it's pretty miserable. Whereas, having one bad neighbor out of 4, isn't as bad.
And, if you get one bad tenant in a four-plex, you still have cash flow from the other units, while you're dealing with kicking out and replacing the bad one.
Duplexes usually also involve a yard that is either shared, or each unit has a yard that must be maintained. Either one can be a problem, where one tenant takes over the yard, and/or they aren't taking care of the yard.
With the four-plex, you just hire a gardener, and there should be minimal problems regarding the common areas, compared to a duplex.
Del Valle, TX · Member since 2015 · 33 posts · 5 votes
11y
Dannica, Sue and Bryan, thank you guys so much for your replies! :)
Dannica, I do have another question though, if the fourplex I plan to purchase will be in his name, how do I get under our name? Is there any money out of pocket to be paid?
Sue, Bryan, you guys have convinced me to shoot for a fourplex.