$17,000 Pine Bluff Duplex With 4 Bedrooms, 2 Units and Major Renovation Potential

A historic duplex in the heart of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is being offered for $17,000 or best offer, presenting a potentially interesting opportunity for buyers looking for a large renovation project with two separate residential units.

Located at 803 W 20th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, the property was built in 1919 and contains approximately 2,544 square feet of interior living space. The property is classified as a multifamily residence and is currently vacant. According to the listing, the building is being sold as-is and requires a full renovation.

The duplex contains two bedrooms and one bathroom on each side, for a total of four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Both units also feature an open loft upstairs, adding another interesting dimension to the existing layout.

The property sits on a corner lot and is described as having beautiful Craftsman-era charm, hardwood floors, masonry construction, pier foundations, and a shake/shingle roof. A fireplace is also listed among the property’s features.

One unusual detail is that although the property is listed under 803 W 20th Ave, the seller states that 801 W 20th Ave comes with the property as well. Buyers should verify exactly what parcels, addresses, structures, and legal interests are included before completing a transaction.

Property Overview

The main details of 803 W 20th Ave include:

• Price: $17,000 or best offer
• Property type: Multifamily / duplex
• Bedrooms: 4 total
• Bathrooms: 2 full bathrooms
• Units: 2
• Bedrooms per unit: 2
• Bathrooms per unit: 1
• Interior living area: 2,544 square feet
• Year built: 1919
• Lot size listed in facts: 1.5 acres
• Heating: None listed
• Cooling: None listed
• Basement: None
• Fireplace: Yes
• Flooring: Hardwood
• Parking: Off-street and on-street
• Exterior: Brick
• Foundation: Piers
• Roof: Shake/shingle
• Current occupancy: Vacant
• Condition: Requires full renovation
• Tax assessed value: $33,000
• Annual property tax: $446
• Parcel number: 93055323000
• Region: Pine Bluff

Because the listing describes the property as a duplex but some details may depend on the exact legal configuration of the two addresses, buyers should verify the parcel and unit information through official records.

A Two-Unit Property for $17,000

The most attention-grabbing feature of this listing is its $17,000 asking price.

At the listed figure, the price works out to approximately $7 per square foot based on the reported 2,544 square feet of interior living space.

That number is exceptionally low compared with conventional residential listings, but there is an important reason to approach it carefully: the property is not presented as a move-in-ready home.

The seller explicitly states that the duplex needs a full renovation.

Therefore, the $17,000 acquisition price should be viewed as the beginning of the financial calculation rather than the total cost of the project.

Renovation expenses could include structural repairs, electrical work, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, roofing, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, painting, insulation, exterior repairs, code compliance, and other improvements.

For an investor, the central question would be whether the property’s completed value or rental potential justifies the acquisition and renovation costs.

Two Bedrooms and One Bathroom on Each Side

The duplex is arranged as two residential units, with two bedrooms and one bathroom on each side.

That creates a total of four bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

This configuration can be useful for several potential strategies.

A buyer could potentially renovate both units and rent them separately, subject to local regulations and market conditions. Another possibility could be living in one unit while using the other for guests or rental income.

The exact feasibility of these strategies depends on the property’s legal status, utility configuration, zoning, condition, and the buyer’s intended use.

The listing’s description makes clear that both sides require substantial work, so the existing layout should be carefully inspected before assuming that the units can immediately function as independent rental residences.

Open Lofts Add Additional Space

One of the more distinctive features of the duplex is the presence of an open loft upstairs in each unit.

These loft areas could provide additional flexible space, depending on their dimensions, ceiling height, access, windows, ventilation, and local building-code requirements.

A buyer might envision the lofts as storage areas, office space, hobby areas, sleeping areas, or other uses.

However, they should not automatically be counted as additional legal bedrooms.

The listing specifically describes them as open lofts, and buyers should verify whether they meet applicable requirements for habitable space.

Egress, ceiling height, heating, electrical service, insulation, fire safety, and stair access may all affect how the spaces can legally be used.

Historic Craftsman Character

The property is described as having beautiful Craftsman charm, an appealing feature for buyers who appreciate historic architecture.

Built in 1919, the building dates to an era when residential properties often featured distinctive woodwork, hardwood floors, substantial trim, and architectural details that can be difficult to reproduce in modern construction.

The listing specifically identifies hardwood flooring.

If original or period details remain intact, they could potentially become an important part of a future renovation.

However, historic character must be balanced against the realities of renovating a property that is more than a century old.

Buyers should carefully inspect the structure for deferred maintenance and determine whether original materials can be restored or whether replacement will be necessary.

Brick and Masonry Construction

The exterior is listed as brick, while the construction materials are described as masonry.

Brick can provide a durable exterior, but an older brick building still requires careful inspection.

Potential buyers should evaluate mortar joints, exterior walls, areas around windows and doors, signs of water penetration, settlement, cracks, and any previous repairs.

The foundation is listed as piers, which makes foundation inspection particularly important.

A professional contractor or structural specialist can help determine whether the existing foundation is suitable for the planned renovation or whether repairs are required.

No Basement

The property does not have a basement.

This can simplify certain aspects of a renovation because there is no basement to waterproof, finish, or maintain.

On the other hand, the absence of a basement means there is less below-grade storage and potentially less accessible space for mechanical systems.

Because the building has pier foundations, buyers should pay close attention to the underside of the structure, drainage, moisture, support conditions, and the condition of the piers.

Fireplace Adds Historic Appeal

A fireplace is listed among the property’s features.

In a 1919 home, an original fireplace could contribute significantly to the building’s historic character.

Before assuming that it is functional, however, buyers should have the fireplace and chimney evaluated.

Older chimneys can require extensive repair, and safe use may depend on masonry condition, flue integrity, liner requirements, and local codes.

The fireplace should therefore be treated as an architectural feature until its condition and usability have been professionally confirmed.

No Heating or Cooling Listed

One of the biggest practical considerations is that the facts section lists no heating and no cooling.

This does not necessarily prove that the property has no mechanical systems at all, but it means the listing does not identify an active heating or cooling system.

For a full renovation, HVAC installation could become a major project.

Potential buyers should determine whether any previous heating or cooling equipment remains and whether existing ductwork, electrical capacity, gas service, or other infrastructure can be reused.

If the building is being renovated for future occupancy, heating and cooling requirements should be incorporated into the renovation budget from the beginning.

Vacant and Sold As-Is

The property is currently vacant and is being offered as-is.

These two characteristics are important.

Vacancy means buyers can potentially inspect the interior without dealing with current occupants, although the actual inspection process should follow whatever arrangements the seller permits.

The as-is condition means buyers should be prepared to accept the property’s existing condition unless the purchase agreement or applicable terms provide otherwise.

With a property requiring a full renovation, buyers should conduct as much due diligence as possible before purchasing.

A detailed inspection can help identify problems that may not be visible during a quick walkthrough.

The Renovation Could Be Extensive

The seller describes the property as requiring a full renovation, which should be taken seriously.

For a building constructed in 1919, a comprehensive renovation could involve virtually every major system.

Potential areas include:

• Electrical wiring and service
• Plumbing supply and drainage
• Heating systems
• Air conditioning
• Roof
• Windows
• Exterior masonry
• Foundation
• Flooring
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Walls and ceilings
• Insulation
• Doors
• Stairs
• Fire safety
• Exterior drainage
• Landscaping

The exact scope cannot be determined from the listing alone.

A buyer should obtain contractor estimates and, where necessary, specialized inspections before committing significant funds.

Potential Investment Property

Because the property is already configured as a duplex, it may attract real estate investors interested in creating multiple rental units.

Two separate units can potentially provide greater flexibility than a single-family residence, but investors should carefully calculate the economics.

A realistic renovation budget should include not only visible improvements but also hidden conditions that often emerge during rehabilitation.

Investors should consider:

Purchase price + renovation + permits + professional fees + financing + insurance + taxes + utilities + contingency = total project cost.

The seller mentions an estimated aftermarket value of $65,000–$80,000 per unit.

That figure is a seller-provided claim rather than an independent appraisal or guaranteed future value. Buyers should conduct their own comparable-property research and obtain professional valuations before relying on that estimate.

Rental Potential Requires Verification

A renovated two-unit property could potentially serve the local rental market.

However, buyers should research current rental demand in Pine Bluff, achievable rents for comparable renovated two-bedroom units, vacancy rates, property management costs, insurance, maintenance, taxes, utilities, and local landlord requirements.

The fact that a property is a duplex does not guarantee strong rental income.

The condition of the finished units, location, amenities, tenant demand, and total renovation investment will all influence the eventual economics.

Corner Lot and Outdoor Space

The listing describes the property as sitting on a corner lot.

The facts section reports a lot size of approximately 1.5 acres, which is a substantial amount of land for a city multifamily property.

Because there is a potential discrepancy between the property’s urban location and the relatively large acreage figure, buyers should verify the actual lot size, parcel boundaries, and whether the stated acreage applies to all property associated with the listing.

This is particularly important because the seller also states that 801 W 20th Ave comes with the property.

The exact relationship between the two addresses should be confirmed through the deed, parcel records, and purchase documentation.

Parking Options

Parking is listed as both off-street and on-street.

For a duplex, parking can be an important consideration for future occupants.

Buyers should determine how many vehicles can legally and practically park on the property and whether any existing off-street parking areas require improvement.

If the buyer intends to renovate the property for two households, adequate parking should be evaluated as part of the overall plan.

Property Taxes

The supplied listing reports a tax assessed value of $33,000 and annual property taxes of approximately $446.

These figures can provide some context but should not be interpreted as a market valuation.

Tax assessments and market values are different measurements, particularly for properties requiring substantial renovation.

After a major renovation, the assessed value and tax burden may change depending on local assessment rules.

Prospective buyers should verify the current tax status and determine whether there are any unpaid taxes, liens, assessments, or other obligations attached to the property.

Due Diligence Before Buying

Given the property’s age and renovation needs, due diligence is arguably the most important part of the purchase.

Verify the two addresses

The listing is marketed as 803 W 20th Ave, but the seller states that 801 W 20th Ave is included. Confirm exactly what is being purchased.

Verify parcel information

The listing provides parcel number 93055323000. Buyers should compare this with official county records and the deed.

Inspect the foundation

The pier foundation should be professionally evaluated for settlement, deterioration, movement, and structural integrity.

Inspect the roof

The roof is listed as shake/shingle. Determine its age and whether replacement is required.

Inspect electrical and plumbing

A century-old building may contain outdated systems that require substantial modernization.

Evaluate HVAC

No heating or cooling system is listed, so buyers should determine what infrastructure exists.

Confirm zoning

Verify that the property is legally recognized and permitted for duplex/multifamily use.

Research renovation permits

Determine what permits would be required for the planned rehabilitation and whether previous work was properly permitted.

Why This Property Stands Out

The attraction of 803 W 20th Ave comes from the combination of low acquisition price, large interior footprint, two residential units, historic character, corner-lot positioning, and renovation potential.

The building is not being presented as a turnkey investment. Instead, it is a property for someone willing to take on a significant rehabilitation project.

For an experienced investor or renovation-focused buyer, that can create opportunities that are not available with move-in-ready properties.

For a buyer without construction experience, however, the scale of the renovation should be carefully considered.

The difference between a $17,000 purchase and a completed, code-compliant property can be substantial.

Final Thoughts

803 W 20th Ave in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a $17,000 multifamily property with four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and approximately 2,544 square feet of interior space. Built in 1919, the property is configured as a duplex, with two bedrooms and one bathroom on each side, plus an open loft upstairs in each unit.

The building is currently vacant and is being sold as-is, with the seller stating that it requires a full renovation.

Its historic Craftsman character, hardwood floors, brick exterior, fireplace, corner-lot setting, and large reported lot provide several characteristics that could appeal to buyers interested in restoring an older property.

The duplex configuration is particularly significant. Two separate units could potentially provide flexibility for owner-occupancy, rental use, or other permitted arrangements. The seller also claims that renovated units could have aftermarket values of approximately $65,000 to $80,000 per unit, but that estimate should be independently verified and should not be treated as a guaranteed result.

There are also several details that require careful verification. The listing states that 801 W 20th Ave comes with the property, while the primary listing address is 803 W 20th Ave. The facts section reports approximately 1.5 acres, while the property is located within Pine Bluff, so the exact parcel configuration should be confirmed. The heating and cooling systems are not identified, and the pier foundation and older construction warrant a thorough inspection.

Ultimately, the $17,000 purchase price is only one part of the equation. The property’s real opportunity will depend on renovation costs, structural condition, legal duplex status, utility systems, zoning, parking, taxes, and the achievable value or rental income after rehabilitation.

For buyers who understand renovation projects and are prepared to investigate the property carefully, this Pine Bluff duplex represents a substantial rehabilitation opportunity with two existing residential units and a historic character that could potentially be restored rather than replaced.

From Zillow