Our towns are mostly happy with me because I've turned dilapidated condemned buildings into places for people to live....

Super small town in southeast Missouri. 

The "sneaky duplex" phrase sounds to me just like "sneaky tax evasion" - it's great to get something illegally until you are caught.The screaming obvious action for you here is to call your town and ask about the property.

We also have a pretty good relationship with all the neighbors which I'm sure helps.The reason for me not getting a permit once obtaining this property is very simple -- I was given this house from my father, and the town that I'm located in, you're not able to get a rental permit unless the house is owner-occupied.

I had an investor client who was out of town and there were internet issues.

Good morning BP,I'm from a small town in Eastern KY and I'm starting my journey into the world of REI at the ripe old age of 46.

I have a friend who works for a well-renowned construction company in our town who has offered to be our general contractor at a discount (only charging us 8% vs. the standard 15%) and "teach me the ropes"/make the right introductions so that I can repeat this on my own in the future. 

- The conotation of your  original post did make it seem like you weren't really interested in actively managing and coming to town, so I would weigh that in.

I recently spoke with the town's zoning inspector, who confirmed that the building is in a GB (General Business) zone.

Affordable housing, tons of sunshine, low property taxes, low sales tax, no traffic in town and no traffic to the mountains.