| I am sorry, but I totally missed your question last week.
As far as the interest that you are going to pay on the home equity loan, used to purchase a duplex, some Tax experts would claim it on your personal tax return on Schedule A as home mortgage interest. Technically, it seems that would be correct as you would get a 1098-Mortgage Interest from the Bank.
But, I think a case can be made for you to consider claiming that interest expense on Schedule E, as it is directly attributable to the duplex purchase.
I would strongly suggest that you talk to your CPA to ascertain what position best suits your tax situation and whether or not you are subject to passive activity limitations. If you are, then none of the interest expense would be deductible on Schedule E, and it might make sense to deduct this interest expense on Schedule A. | 
