http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Multi_Family_in_Brooklyn-473160I have a dream of owning a two family home in Brooklyn, where I live in one unit and I rent out the other. In the dream, the rental income less mortgage expense nets me out to somewhere between breaking even (hence earning my equity for free) or paying very little out of pocket. The neighborhoods I prefer are Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Greenwood, Gowanus, Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace. Greenpoint is my fave. In reality, I have about $200k to put down and would like to find something under $600k. Can this be possible and would it be worth it, at least financially? What are my risks?en-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Bronx_NY-2919672/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Bronx_NY-2919672/Good morning gorkmonkey, It's all about monthly payment and market rentals. Since you have a potentially large down payment, you can set your monthly payment to a level where, once you factor in the market rental for the second unit, you'll achieve your goal of breaking even. You have mentioned several neighborhoods in your post/question. What I'd recommend you do is determine both pricing ranges for 2FAM homes in those neighborhoods AND market rentals. Armed with this information, when you meet with your Mortgage Banker to get Prequalified, you can do a thorough analysis to compare your total monthly mortgage expense (including Principal & Interest, Taxes, Insurance and Mortgage Insurance if required) with the potential rental in any given neighborhood. By the way, I advise that you take the conservative approach. Qualify your mortgage payment at a rate slightly higher than market, this way you can take your time shopping, and you're prepared in case interest rates go up. Use a lower rental number than what your market research has told you. Since your goal is to break even on your housing expense, you should use that to guide you in selecting the neighborhood. In other words, while you favor Greenpoint, when you analzye the numbers you may find that Sunset Park is more in line with achieving your goal. Don't get off track; Buyers often stray from their original intent once they've been Prequalified. Your goal is smart and an admirable one---not to mention financially prudent. Adhere to that goal with accurate information from your Mortgage Banker and an understanding of your market rentals. Trevor Curran NMLS #40140 Mobile: 516-582-9181 Office: 516-829-2900 Fax: 516-829-2944 PowerHouse Solutions, Inc. 185 Great Neck Rd, Suite 240 Great Neck NY 11021 Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Dept. of Financial Services NMLS#3528 If you thought my answer was helpful, please give me a "Thumbs Up." Thanks!Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:11:46 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-New_York-4647539/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-New_York-4647539/Hello, My name is Chris Miceli and I am a Mortgage Loan Officer with PNC Mortgage. I have over 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and I am very familiar with the areas you are looking to buy in. I would like to go over your options and let you know what it will take to make your Dream come true! Please call me when you can. Thanks! Sometimes what you do before you sign a contract can be more important then what you do after you sing the contract! Chris Miceli Mortgage Loan Officer MNLS#22399 Phone- 646-623-2492 Email- Christopher.Miceli@PNCmortgage.com PNC Mortgage is a division of PNC BankSun, 27 Jan 2013 19:27:49 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-10508/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-10508/Dear gorkmonkey: Yes it is possible. Just speak to a mortgage banker to make sure you are qualified and see how much you can borrow and how much the loan will cost you each month. Then you should look at everything in those areas within your budget and buy the one that is the best deal. In the price range you are in you may have to sacrifice on size and/or condition, but if the house meets your specifications, you will be living rent free and then some. Sincerely, Mitchell S. Feldman Associate Broker/ Director of Sales Madison Estates & Properties, Inc. Office: (718) 645-1665/ Cell: (917) 805-0783 Email: MitchellSFeldman@aol.comTue, 22 Jan 2013 09:42:18 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Nassau_County_NY-321357/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Nassau_County_NY-321357/Be aware that a mortgage pre-approval letter is required in order to determine your price range and for any offers to be taken seriously, therefore you really should begin by visiting with any licensed loan officer, and then determine your next step....Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:21:55 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-8173725/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-8173725/Hi My name is Leonard Murphy and I am a Renovation Mortgage Specialist with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Brooklyn. I have a great deal of experience financing homes in most of the areas you named. I would be happy to discuss getting you pre-approved for a mortgage before you start your search. Also if you are interested in purchasing a property that needs work I specialize in Renovation Financing so we will definitely be able to help on that end. Please feel free to call me at 718-780-9110 or email me at leonard.murphy@wellsfargo.com.Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:10:40 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Queens_NY-1055775/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Queens_NY-1055775/I would ask for you to speak with a loan officer, to see what would be the best move for you.Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:53:39 -0800http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-1079249/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brooklyn_NY-1079249/in today's marketplace possibly sunset park and it will need some TLC but if you send me your direct email I will be happy to do some research for you. madelinepadovano@fillmore.comMon, 21 Jan 2013 17:53:37 -0800