When pictures were being taken for Mattymatt’s piece on the YBCA raffle house, we noticed something strange: another house number and set of three mailboxes at its base.

We followed up with YBCA on these curiosities, wondering exactly what a raffle winner is in for — an in law with actual in-laws? A secondary stream as a Mailboxes, Etc.?

Here’s what we found out: the 1244 5th Avenue property is included as a “guest house.” Unlike oh so many Sunset in-laws, it is indeed legal and rentable. YBCA noted that “Taxes due are based on the value of the property, which is 2.4 million. Since the second unit is legal, it could be rented out and the rent could help pay for the carrying costs of the home such as the property taxes.” “Help” being the operative word, we suspect.

Another option? We’re told the property is TIC convertible, which while having its own set of challenges, might make winning this place a little easier to manage.

As for the third mailbox? Your guess is as good as YBCA’s. “We noticed the three mailboxes as well and aren’t sure why, either. (Sorry!)”

the author

Eve Batey is the editor and publisher of the San Francisco Appeal. She used to be the San Francisco Chronicle's Deputy Managing Editor for Online, and started at the Chronicle as their blogging and interactive editor. Before that, she was a co-founding writer and the lead editor of SFist. She's been in the city since 1997, presently living in the Outer Sunset with her husband, cat, and dog. You can reach Eve at eve@sfappeal.com.

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