How I Helped a Young Client Buy & Set Up a Duplex in Puerto Rico (Before Kicking Off My Digital Nomad Life)

I’m excited to finally share a behind-the-scenes look at one of my most rewarding real estate projects to date — helping a young client purchase and fully set up a duplex in Puerto Rico. 🌴🏡 Plus, get a sneak preview on how to set up a rental property in Puerto Rico. You will need to understand local regulations and requirements.

This was more than just a real estate deal — it was a journey filled with learning curves, red tape, DIY hustle, and a beautiful ending that changed someone’s life (and mine, too). If you’re considering investing in Puerto Rico or just curious about what goes into turning a raw property into income-generating real estate, read on!

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🛠️ The Project: House Hacking a Duplex in Puerto Rico

This client came to me with some savings and a dream — to own property before the age of 21. Together, we made it happen by purchasing a duplex in Puerto Rico. The idea? Live in one unit and rent out the other. This house hacking strategy is one of my favorites for building wealth early, and it’s perfect for students or young investors.

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💰 The Financing: Owner-Financed at 0%

We negotiated seller financing with 0% interest — a powerful way to avoid traditional bank loans. The deal includes a 5-year balloon payment, giving the client time to build equity and cash flow. The plan is to eventually convert one unit into a mid-term or short-term rental to help pay off that balloon balance when it comes due.

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🔌 Utility Hookups Are No Joke

In Puerto Rico, reconnecting disconnected utilities is not as simple as flipping a switch. For this property, I had to:

• If required, hire a licensed electrician (or plumber) to certify the electrical and/or plumbing systems.
• Present documentation to the island’s utility companies LUMA for electricity and Acueductos for water
• Handle separate setups for both floors

If utilities haven’t been active in a while, expect delays, paperwork, and extra costs. ⏳💸

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🛒 Appliances & Furnishing on a Budget

Occasionally, I’ll get appliances from secondhand stores (I love analog machines for their durability), but I ultimately purchased some new items from Home Depot for warranty and delivery ease.

Here’s what we installed:

• Stackable washer/dryer in the bottom unit
• Separate washer/dryer up top
• Gas stoves in both units
• Three propane tanks with some copper lines to fuel everything — a significant cost and logistics project!

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🛠️ More Than Just Appliances: The Little (Big) Things

There were dozens of small but essential tasks:

• Adding window screens (not standard in PR homes!)
• Installing a SimpliSafe security system
• Buying student-friendly furniture like desks, chairs, fans, and even a printer
• Setting up the internet and Wi-Fi
• Ensuring the student unit had private bathrooms — a big win for our student renters!
• Screening tenants and setting up payment collection using platforms like Avail.co
• Accounting set up with WaveApps and looping in a bookkeeper for ongoing needs

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🚚 Yes, I Moved In to Finish the Job

No joke — I actually moved into the property temporarily to ensure we hit our tight deadline of getting renters in by the first of the month. I helped haul furniture, assisted the delivery guy with a refrigerator (he came solo 😅), and made sure every final touch was handled.

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🎉 The Outcome? A Win for Everyone

In the end, we:

• Got both units up and running
• Furnished them on a smart budget
• Welcomed new tenants on schedule
• Even received furniture donations to complete a tiny entertainment area for the kids for a family that moved in one of the units.

And the client? They now own income-generating property while attending college. This is what building wealth young can look like — with the right team and strategy.

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🌍 What’s Next for Me?

With this project complete, I’m off on my next adventure — launching my digital nomad journey! I don’t know where I’ll land yet, but I’m excited to share every step with you on this channel.

If you’re interested in real estate investing in Puerto Rico, house hacking, or building wealth through non-traditional paths — make sure to subscribe, join my newsletter, and follow me on Instagram @principlesofincrease.

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Want to Work With Me?

Whether you’re in Puerto Rico, the mainland U.S., or abroad, I help clients acquire and manage investment properties with integrity and insight. Reach out if you’re ready to invest smart and live well. ✨

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📚 Also check out my book: Real Estate by Faith
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