2 Story Duplex repair question

[Jeff Howard]

Total green questions, I know, but... Looking at a 2 story duplex.  I am just putting my immediate concerns in one email...

Is there any difference between 2 story duplexes and 1 story duplexes, as in (being able to rent it, rental rates (less for one vs other), maintenance costs? 

Washer / Dryer on second floor on carpet which concerns me from a leak perspective, should I be that concerned?  I worry about a renter with a leaky washer destroying my floor boards and ceiling.  

Also wood siding on the outside is wearing out, needs to be replaced, looks like they patched it in places with plastic sidding.  Looking like 2000 sq feet of siding to replace (soon).  What kind of price am i looking at for that?

Currently rented so looking to fix it up with the profits, and renovate interior as they become vacant.