The roof is new and looks good on the surface, but all this added weight can't be good, especially in winter with the weight of snow/ice.

Should I go ahead and buy the duplex (assuming the seller agrees to a price reduction) or this is way too risky to pursue.

For folks who want returns in the present, out of state purchases that are managed by a quality property manager are worth their weight in gold. 

My attorney says that it's not worth spending the money to shorten the redemption, because the borrower will fight the redemption reduction and the judge will dismiss the case.If anybody was in this situation, please advise.2.

I just closed on a VA cash out refi in October, 2017. Does anyone know the soonest I can do a VA IRRL may be?

If I'm reading you right, you have a fully executed contract in which the seller agrees to pay for certain expenses / repairs, and is now refusing to pay for them.I'm also presuming that the $20K reduction was within the contractually allowed due diligence period and was agreed to by the seller within that same period.If that's correct, the seller is in breach of contract.Your attorney should contact the seller and give them the option of performing to the contract or being sued for "specific performance".  

We are planning to do a price reduction and thought to host an "investors" open house to invite investors and their contractors to come and take a look.

Amazon has many reviews but it's the Verified Purchase ones that hold weight. 

While I'm sure some regional banks, credit unions, etc. will slightly differ in their weights I would imagine they all care about credit scores, net worth, DSCR, etc.  

Then it holds no weight.