(I did sell the Duplex off-market - but there the buyers did most of the work and I basically just had the attorney review everything)Before I approach the ownership,  I'd like the chance though to talk with somebody who has gone through this process for small commercial scale multifamily properties (5-12 units) on their own.   

I don't own anything yet in CA as yet so 1031 won't be a problem I guess.My investment goal and approach is geared more towards cash flow and don't want to rely on appreciation in markets such as ca where prices are already overblown.

Your interest rate is probably a bit low for a non-owner occupied property.If your ARV and reno numbers are solid, I would approach this as a BRRRR.

The stock market took a big hit last week.We are all RE investors but many of us also invest in the market.Personally I use a set it and forget it approach - monthly auto deposits into 2 accounts: an IRA and a 529 (both Vanguard).However I do like to do some extra buying when I think the market makes a temporary yet significant drop.So is now a good time to pump some extra money in?

With  your help these figures will give me a realistic estimate of the costs and how to approach them intelligently.

Who has out of state properties and how did you approach it the first time?

How should I approach the seller?

So accessing the equity through a HELOC would be easiest by keeping them in your name.You can go with a traditional refi approach. 

It has a sales comparison approach value of 150k in the current condition in 2018.

It was deemed not habitable by every lender I approached (even though it did have a bathroom and kitchen).