It takes time to read, absorb, and put into practice.

This has potential to become condos should that become a common practice in our area.  

It would be abnormal and outside of normal appraisal standards of practice to use duplex comps. 

Nationwide we're in several quarter now where we see zero growth while residential RE appreciation keps agoing up.Residential real estate in theory and practice is always better than investing at asset that's valued using cap rate because that's derivative product of (a) supply-demand local apartment (b) the asset is valued only following rent income.About to say.......... in US it's way way way more "profitable" to invest at residential that appreciates , rather than a CRE where valuation is much more volatile and dynamics.I would lose money now if I buy CRE few years ago, luckily I made the right decision by investing residential where I can control and the appreciation curves is exactly like what I've forecasted.

With these practices put into place, Real Estate management teams can ensure that all tenants feel accommodated and respected in their homes.

Are there specific standards or common practices that seem to set certain areas apart?

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

What is the practical process for getting permits for rehab properties?

You may be able to get some through elective classes, but it may also take practice and "real-world" practice is helpful. 

I've narrowed it down to the Birmingham, AL and Cleveland, OH markets and have been looking at properties in these areas and "running the numbers" for practice.