With your impressive background in residential construction and 20 years in the trades, you’ve already got a solid foundation to transition into real estate investing.

Picture below is what it looked like when built in 1896.

Not much from owners who built up a portfolio of 20-50+ units using this. 

Biggest thing is going to be structural or foundational issues as long as that is solid it's okay.

I would either use a HML spread over multiple deals to rehab or I would find a property with good bones (foundation, and most studs/joists are solid) then buy it for super cheap and force appreciation through the rehab, which is what I do. 

Is that interior lot line assumed when a duplex is built, or is some kind of formal process needed?

Quote from @Alex Pelletier: Quote from @Allen Berrebbi: I'd love one with built in accounting.

Just a solid single family home, well built, in an area that is perfect for long term appreciation due to proximity to DC.

Hi there,It’s awesome that you’re taking the leap into real estate investing, especially with such a solid financial foundation.

A detached garage was built off site and delivered and is the only work I didn't do, although I did wire the building and install the garage door.