All Forum Posts by: Scott P.

I'd enjoy answering this question and including a scan of a purchase closing statement, a mortgage payoff letter/warranty deed returned from a county Recorder's office, and even a 2nd closing statement from the sale of the same property, all spanning 20 or so years.  I have a couple instances to choose from as I was "house hacking" back before it was a phrase.  

I'd appreciate it if someone would let me know if posting those documents is against forum rules.  I read somewhere that I need to cover up company and individual's names as I don't plan to go to the trouble of getting permission from all those parties. Otherwise I think it's okay.

It may take me a couple of weeks to pull up a set of documents, whichever set is easiest for me to find. 

I recommend not to buy without seeing the property in person.

With that said, to answer the question, I bought once without seeing the house until I went to the city it was located in for closing and even then I did not go inside but only did a drive by.  

Also, this was about 25 years ago. So there was no internet to see photos, etc.  Now, with that said, I need to add that I learned about the property from an older relative who said he was going to buy it if I didn't.  (That situation can have pros and cons too but in my case it was all "pros.")   So, yes, I've done it and it worked fine for me but i don't recommend it.

Congratulations on saving $10,000!  You have achieved something that many people never achieve.

I would call credit unions and ask how to become a member. Also call banks and ask if they are a "(municipal) savings and loan" or whatever a similar entity is called in Texas.  (I was at Lackland a year ago, but I'm not familiar with San Antonio real estate or banking.  The point is: try a small bank first.  Ask them what you need in order to qualify.  See if they have any special programs.)

Don't be disappointed if they want you to have another $10,000 or a longer work history or if they seem skeptical about your ability to be a new landlord.  I've been in those situations also.  If they say you need another year to save more $, one more year will fly buy as you shop for duplexes and read Biggerpockets to learn and gain experience.  The more $ you have, the stronger your position will be.

I've been in your shoes. My first real estate purchase was a duplex in which I lived in one side. I had the mortgage paid in full in 12 or so years later, owned the property for another 12 or so years, then sold it in October of 2018.  

Good luck!

In my area there is no special process to convert a duplex to a SFR. I could simply frame a door opening between the 2 units if I wanted.

I suspect in your case you would take your best guess at which local building department has jurisdiction.  Then call that location and give them the address to confirm if it is their jurisdiction.  If it's not theirs, ask if they can tell you who has jurisdiction for zoning and building codes.  Once you determine who has jurisdiction, those folks will likely be able to answer your question.

(In general, in my anecdotal experience, going from a "greater" zoning use, like R2 which is the common designation for a duplex in my area, to R1, which is the common designation for a SFR in my area, is easy and automatic. On the other hand, going from an R1 to an R2, or some other "greater" zoning use, is not necessarily easy at all.)

Good luck with your endeavor!