One recent update is that he has traveling for almost 2 weeks and ignoring anything related to the transaction.

Town discovers the addition during transaction U&O inspection.2.

The properties in this area are very difficult to comp because #1, most have not had a transaction in many cases SEVERAL years. 

We have cross listed to Airbnb, VRBO and apartments.com with some inquiries with guests that keep trying to lowball us. 

Moving forwards with the transaction.

I've considered different options, such as refinancing this home to make the land a separate transaction or even selling my house to build a duplex, (since I am not sure if I will be able to get financing for the construction project if the land and this current home are on the same loan).

Sorry to hear this.I would always say that "There is nothing wrong with any property as long as the price is right".Granted, some are not salvageable and the deal doesn't make sense even if the seller paid to me to take it lolOver the past 10 years I have witnessed many investors trying to do the same thing as you.Purchase from afar without buying turnkey and trying to do it themselves.This has been popular especially the last few years.Not many succeed unfortunately or they don't succeed in my eyes as they are into deals for much more than what they should be.There is a big trend going on where folks are made to "feel involved" with the purchase, rehab and property management process.The properties look great and off-course they do as rehabs cost $40,000 - $50,000.It doesn't sound like a lot of money for folks from CA and NY but for our local standards it is and IMO kills the cashflow and is unnecessary overcapitalization.Each to their own I guess.Just had a call the other week with a fellow from CA that bought a few turd properties from a local scam artist and is flying to town to try and rehab them himself.Another fella I managed to save even tho he lost his deposit of $1,000 as the seller (Another known scam artist) made him commit to the deal without allowing an inspection or even a walkthrough...If that isn't a red flag then I don't know what is 🤷‍♂️Hat's off to you for flying into to town to see the property for yourself.Wishing you much success Thanks man, yea luckily I had great agents that do 100+ transactions a year helping me and who I know personally and trust. 

It's never done here (TN) on any transaction I've personally been a part of.

On 1-4 unit transactions some lenders offer up to 85% financing for investment property transactions.  

Multi property same finance so you can cross collateralize different LTV positions?