10 Things Minneapolis Duplex Buyers Should Look For In A Realtor
When interviewing Realtors to buy an investment property or to owner-occupy a duplex, it’s important to ask the right questions.
Don’t just ask, “How long have you been in real estate?” Instead, ask:
- “What’s the last duplex you sold?”
- “How many duplexes or investment properties do you own? How long have you owned them?”
- “Can you show me the pro forma you put together for a recent client?”
The answers will tell you immediately if they’re investor-savvy—or just dabbling.
If you’re buying or selling an investment property—duplex, triplex, fourplex—you don’t need a Realtor who’s great at picking paint colors and writing poetic listing copy. You need someone who can run the numbers, knows the rules, and speaks investor.
I recommend:
1. They’ve Done Multifamily Before
If all they’ve ever sold are single-family houses, they might not know how to underwrite your duplex. Ask them straight up: “How many duplex/triplex/fourplex deals have you closed this year?” If they can’t answer, keep moving.
2. They Actually Know the Rental Market
You want a Realtor who can rattle off average rents, vacancy rates, and which neighborhoods are most sought-after.
3. They Can Crunch Numbers (and See Where They Can Be Improved)
A real investment Realtor should hand you pro formas, rent roll analysis, and expense breakdowns—not just the listing printout. If they can’t explain why a $1,400 rent matters more than granite countertops, they’re not your person.
4. They Get Financing
FHA house-hack rules, seller credits, how lenders treat rental income—it all matters. Your Realtor should know which lenders actually like and are experienced in small multifamily deals.
5. They Know Zoning & Code
Non-conforming units and ADU rules can make or break your deal. If they don’t know the city’s duplex conversion rules, they’re not going to protect your backside.
6. Investor-Savvy Negotiation
We’re not buying dream homes; we’re buying cash flow and financial sense. You need a Realtor who negotiates like an investor—repairs, credits, rent-backs—always with ROI in mind.
7. They’ve Got the Right Contacts
Property managers, investor-friendly lenders, 1031 exchange folks, tax CPAs, contractors who know rental turns. A good Realtor has a whole team ready for you.
8. Bonus Points: They Own Property Themselves
If they’re out there house hacking or managing rentals, they’ll spot things a newbie won’t.
9. They Communicate with Numbers, Not Fluff
If you’re looking to house hack, or an investors hard data is more important than, “look how cute this kitchen is.” Ask them how they’ll keep you updated during due diligence—deadlines, rent comps, inspection summaries.
10. They Think Long Game
This isn’t just about one deal. It’s about scaling up, refinancing, and 1031-ing into bigger and better. You want someone who wants to see you achieve you goal and is in it for the long haul with you.
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first duplex or your tenth, give me a call. I’d be happy to show you how I can help.