@George Lods, clearly this is all anecdotal, since we are talking all hypotheticals, or at least not deal specific comparisons.As others noted, there are a a fair amount of efficiencies you can get by building a duplex versus multiple standalone properties.  

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance, a commercial real estate certificate, and a minor in building construction and project management, with a focus on energy-efficient housing.

Tenant is communicating with the PM, but has yet to secure assistance.

It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan in place for protecting your investments and managing your rental properties efficiently.

What strategies have you used to communicate and negotiate with local authorities?

I care less about the payment process and more about communication, accounting, documentation, processes, etc.

Still, enough to rise to an action item addressed at top level, and with communications of such reaching beyond the regional lender itself.

.- Communicate with the county: Try to negotiate with the county officials.

It tells you nothing about how efficient your taxes are.Analogy: grocery store.

Replacing the furnace will allow you to market the property with an awesome, new fuel efficient furnace instead of a fuel hog that could break on any day.