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"South Florida's Trusted Mortgage Broker."
Let Tookes Help You Qualify to Live in One Unit and Rent Out the Other!
Contact our team today!
Kenneth Tookes is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Capital Federal Credit Union, serving clients in all 50 states since 1977. He specializes in helping families finance duplexes and other multi-unit properties. Living in one unit and renting out the other(s) makes it a lot easier for us to get you pre-qualified!
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Your credit does not have to be perfect, but you must have a minimal credit score of 580 or higher. If your credit score is close to 570, we may still be able to help you.
If you choose not to live in the unit, we can still help you, but it's a lot easier to help you get a home loan that makes sense if you are going to be living in one of the units.
If you are concerned about your finances, please keep in mind that most lenders will let you use up to 75% of the projected market rent from the rental unit as additional income when calculating your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio.
At Tookes & Associates, we don’t just help people buy homes — we help them build futures. Our clients trust us because we combine personalized service, industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to your success.
We treat every client like family — not a file number. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, refinancing, or ready to invest, we walk with you every step of the way.
✅ Clear guidance.
✅ Real results.
✅ A team that puts you first.
You can offset your mortgage by collecting rent from the other unit. In many cases, the rent covers a significant portion—or even all—of your monthly payment, helping you build equity faster and live for much less than you would in a single-family home.
Because you’re occupying one unit, a duplex (or any 2-4 unit property) often qualifies as an “owner-occupied property.” This means that lenders will give you leniency by allowing projected rental income from the other unit to help you qualify.
You can take advantage of major tax deductions—such as mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs, depreciation, and more—on the rental unit. Meanwhile, you still get some homeowner deductions for your personal unit.
A duplex gives you options: You can eventually rent out both units for full rental income, move a family member into the second unit, or sell it later as a cash-flowing investment property. It’s a smart way to blend personal housing needs with long-term financial goals.
Unlike renting out a room in a single-family home, a duplex gives you your own fully separate living space—with your own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom—while still generating income. You keep your privacy and your peace, all while cutting living costs.