As this building was outside city limits, that's unfortunately not unusual. 

That's unusual, but not unheard of.$68/month insurance on a $550k property is terrifically optimistic.

That's not that unusual and your accountant can change the address and definitely the basis of the property to reflect its improved nature.2.

Thanks @Jason SinclairExcuse my ignorance.But is it unusual for the attorney's to not get paid if we don't close? 

It's unusual in any market for a typical duplex to cost 2X what a typical SFH costs.There are a few benefits as well:Generally higher rent.

During a recent HUD purchase, I noticed the listing agent/agency was a different company than my own agent (something I noticed on both Zillow and the flyer in the home), which is of course not unusual whatsoever. 

Is it messed up, or similar to some kind of cruel and unusual action towards that employee that would easily be deemed as a hostile environment?

Either use will not present any unusual liabilities but you do want to put the property in a LLC separate from any other assets you own as all your properties should be and also make sure you  have the proper insurance to cover any potential issues with any special riders for special circumstances.Pooling investors for the development is another issue all together.

Our first rental experience was a bit unusual.

@Simon W. it is quite unusual at least in my area for the tenant to cut the check directly to the owner, because at that point what is the PM firm doing to earn their fee?