The two are almost entirely different markets in terms of price points, returns, tenant quality, and overall investing strategy.

The quality of answers to your are directly correlated to the quality of your questions asked.  

Try to screen for a higher quality tenant next time.

I've heard nothing but complaints from customers AND their franchise agents reegarding the quality of their 800-number service center. 

What worked for me was focusing on building strategic relationships with top tier people (quality partners) who could complement what I brought to the table—sales, management, and execution.When you are approaching sellers for creative financing, leading with a clear value proposition (and CONFIDENTLY) is key.

Completely agree with you on this; I'm not making any claims to the quality of these lenders here.

Another step is to ask your current lender if an expedited post-disaster inspection can be arranged to speed things up.

Have to agree with most here in that a SF-> duplex conversion needs some really specific qualities to be worth the squeeze.

We didn't know the siding needed to be replaced because it was just recently replaced by the owner before selling it to us, but probably with bad quality paint/siding. 

@Ofir R.Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?