100+ Year Old Duplexes in Minneapolis?

[Alex Shapiro]

In looking at the Minneapolis market, many multifamily homes are built around the 1900s. This is going on 122 years old, which means many harsh winters, degradation, foundation issues, etc. Many have boiler heat and A/C wall units. Are these giant money pits? Looks like there's a smattering of duplexes built around the 1960s, and even those are getting old, e.g., 20-year old electrical boxes and whatnot. What's the general consensus of old craftsman homes built in the 1900s? Are they going to last much longer before breaking down or where they built better than today's standards? Is it a wiser investment to look towards newer built single family homes and live in one and move out after a year and rent it? Should I switch strategies from buying a "newer" duplex built in the 1960s and instead look for newer single family homes to purchase and rent out? Are people looking to rent single family homes in the Minneapolis area or are they looking to rent in Uptown and Northeast? What's working in the Minneapolis market? What should I avoid? Thanks!