227 1st Ave SW
Clearbrook, MN · View the listing ↗
Photos courtesy of 218 Real Estate , via Realtor.com.
Needs more info before these numbers mean much. No reliable rent estimate: too few comparable rentals close by, and no RentCast estimate.
No rent estimate yet, so the numbers can't be run. Run it yourself in the calculator →
First look
This is a 1990 up/down duplex in Clearbrook asking $199,900 with no rents, taxes, utility info or rent estimates in the file, so the numbers can't be checked yet. The description says upstairs is 3 bed / 1 bath and downstairs is 1 bed / 1 bath, and it pitches conversion to a single-family home, which hints the seller may not have a tenant-backed rent roll. The photos show the lower unit is a daylight-basement style space with a drop ceiling, small high windows and carpet. That is dated and likely lower-rent. First get current rents, leases, heat type, who pays utilities, and a tax figure, since the county parcel didn't match. Don't book a showing until you know the rent roll and the upstairs condition, because the photos only show the lower unit.
Things to consider
- No rent roll or income data Without rents and expenses there is no way to test whether $199,900 cash flows at today's rates. Ask for actual rents and 12 months of expenses.Listing says: “Continue using it as a rental property or explore bringing the spaces together into a single-family home.”
- Upper unit is unseen The 3-bed upper likely carries most of the rent and the condition risk, but no photos show it.Listing says: “The upstairs offers 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, while the downstairs includes 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.”
- Lower unit looks dated and below grade Drop ceilings, carpet and small windows will cap rent and may raise egress and moisture questions for the bedroom.From photo 8
- Taxes and unit count unverified The parcel didn't match, so taxes and legal unit count could differ and change the numbers.
- Small market and thin rent comps No rent estimates were available for Clearbrook, so vacancy and rent levels are guesses until you pull local comps.
From the photos
Based on 10 of the listing photos. Photos can hide as much as they show; an inspection is the real answer.
AI-assisted first read of the listing description and photos (Claude), checked against public records. Every rent and repair above quotes the listing; verify with the agent, leases and an inspection.
Red flags and opportunities
Watch for
- highNo rents, lease status or occupancy given, and the pitch leans toward converting to single-family. Listing says: Continue using it as a rental property or explore bringing the spaces together into a single-family home. · AI review
- mediumCouldn't match this address to a county parcel record, so taxes and unit count are unverified. Public record: County parcels: no match for 227 1ST AVE SW
- mediumPermitted use and conversion rules are unverified; the listing itself says to check with the city. Listing says: A quick check-in with the City of Clearbrook can help verify permitted uses and any conversion requirements. · AI review
- mediumNo county parcel match, so taxes, unit count and heat type are unknown. Based on: data: county.tax · AI review
Opportunities
- Low entry price for a 2-unit building with a 3-bed upper and 1-bed lower, if rents hold up in a small market. Based on: data: listing.price · AI review
- Corner lot with space around the building; could allow added parking or storage, subject to city rules. Based on: photo 1 · AI review
Questions for the agent
- What are the current rents, lease terms and tenant status for each unit?
- Which utilities does the owner pay, and what type of heat and water heating serves each unit?
- What are the annual property taxes and any special assessments?
- Is the property licensed or permitted as a two-unit rental with the city?
- How are the units metered, and is the lower unit's bedroom legal with egress?
- How old are the roof, furnace/AC and electrical panels?
Bottom line
Cheap duplex on paper, but with no rents, taxes or rental permit info it's a question mark; get the rent roll before spending time on it. AI-assisted summary
What the records say
Where each number comes from
Price history Realtor.com
On the market since 2026-10-02 (3 days); last sold for $79,500 on 2014-02-04.
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Listed | $199,900 | |
| Sold public record | $79,500 |
From the listing Listing
| Listed as | duplex up and down |
| Property tax, 2026 | $1,620 |
| County | Clearwater |
| Parcel number | 243000940 |
As the listing states it (NorthstarMLS, via Realtor.com). We don't have county records here yet; check the tax, homestead status and special assessments with the county.
Crime, rental-license and vacant-building records are only available for St. Paul and Minneapolis so far. Check with Clearbrook on rental licensing before you buy.