How to Buy a Small Multifamily Rental (2-4 Units) in 2025

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: September 24, 2025
Getting Started

Summary

This article from BiggerPockets discusses the advantages of investing in small multifamily properties (duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) for building wealth and achieving financial freedom in 2025. It highlights the benefits of residential financing, economies of scale, and multiple income streams, while also sharing a five-step buying process and common mistakes to avoid.

Key Insights

  • Two-to-four unit properties provide more economies of scale than single-family homes but are less risky than larger multifamily buildings, making them a "sweet spot" for investors.
  • Compared to single-family homes, small multifamilies offer multiple income streams, risk mitigation against vacancies, and economies of scale for repairs and maintenance.
  • Up to four units, you qualify for residential financing which includes a lower down payment (20-25%) and fixed-rate residential debt.

Action Items

  • Consider investing in markets like Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee for build-to-rent opportunities.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Research markets such as Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa, and Kansas City for affordable small multifamily properties.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • BiggerPockets: The article mentions BiggerPockets as a source for resources.(biggerpockets.com)

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