Can You Make Money Investing In a Duplex and Renting Half Out?

Investing in real estate is a popular way for people to build wealth over time. Commercial real estate may interest more seasoned investors. But those who are just starting usually invest in single-family rentals or smaller multi-family properties.

House ‘hacking’ has also grown in popularity for those who are new to real estate investing. Making money to help cover your expenses by renting out rooms in your house can make a lot of sense.

Buying a duplex and living in one half while renting the other half out to make money also works well for some.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of investing in a duplex and renting out half to help pay your mortgage or make money.

We’ll also share some important questions you’ll want to ask yourself before deciding if buying a duplex is the right move for you.

Benefits of Investing and Living In a Duplex

1. Make Money With Your Home.

You might hear that you can “live for free” when you live in a duplex and rent half of it out. But that all depends on your expenses — mortgage payments, taxes, repairs, and more.