701 4th St E

Watch for

• highUnusual ownership (land trust, ground lease or co-op): resale price limits or lease terms can cap your upside. Listing says: "to downtown St Paul, public transportation, Mississippi Market Co-Op , and the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment along"
• highNo rents, lease terms or expenses given, and owner pays some utilities that aren't specified Listing says: Utilities are currently partially owner-paid · AI review
• mediumFire-inspection grade C: more deficiencies than typical; expect more frequent inspections and repair orders. Public record: St. Paul Certificate of Occupancy – Residential: 701 4TH ST E, grade/tier=C, status=In Process
• mediumProjected utility bill-backs (RUBS) are not income yet, and in St. Paul they may count toward the 3% cap. Listing says: "are currently partially owner-paid with ownership implementing a RUBS utility reimbursement program across the portfolio beginning Q3"
• mediumRental license shows 'In Process' with an expiry date in 2024, so it may have lapsed Based on: data: city.rental_license · AI review
• mediumStucco exterior and old porches may hide moisture or structural problems; inspect Based on: photo 2 · AI review
• mediumRadiators suggest an older boiler system, but county lists heat as 'central'. Heating type and number of systems are unclear Based on: data: county.heat_type · AI review
• low$863 in special assessments on the payable 2026 tax bill (often street, sewer or code-enforcement charges). Ask what they're for, whether they continue, and whether the seller pays them off at closing. Public record: Ramsey County parcel 322922140101: special assessments (payable 2026) = $863.46

Opportunities

• The seller bought for $52,000 in Feb 1998, so they can take a lower offer and still come out well ahead. Public record: Ramsey County parcel 322922140101: last sale 1998-02-20, $52,000
• Long time on market: room to negotiate. Based on: Listing data: 142 days on market
• Full-depth lot with frontage on both ends could allow future redevelopment, but verify zoning Listing says: unique full-depth lot spanning the width of the block with street frontage on both ends · AI review
• Finished attic space could add value or a rentable room, if egress and permits are in order Based on: photo 9 · AI review
• Seller's low 1998 basis and 139 days on market give room to negotiate Based on: data: listing.days_on_market · AI review

Questions for the agent

• What are current rents, lease end dates and deposits for each unit? Get the rent roll.
• Which utilities does the owner pay, and what were the last 12 months of bills?
• What are the heating system type, age and number of meters?
• What is the rental license status, and what caused the grade C?
• What are the $863 in special assessments for, and does the seller pay them at closing?
• Is the attic finished space permitted and counted in either unit?

Bottom line

Big, solid-looking duplex that cash flows modestly at $295K, but it needs proven rents and a repair budget. AI-assisted summary

Where each number comes from

Price history Realtor.com

On the market since 2026-05-16 (142 days); down $75,500 (20.4%) from the first ask of $370,500; last sold for $67,000 on 1998-06-08.

County record Public record

Source: Ramsey County parcel records.

City rental certificate (CofO)

Residential 2 Units: 2 unit(s), C, status in process, renews 2024-04-25.

Nearest highway

I 94;US 10, about 309 m away.

Crime in Dayton's Bluff

970 incidents in the last 12 months (52 per 1,000 residents), −6% vs. the year before. St. Paul police incidents, excluding proactive visits and community events.