I was looking to have it convert to a long-term mortgage and eventually cash out refinance to build a second duplex once enough equity built up  Unfortunately that is going to be designated as rural by almost every bank just for the acreage alone.

But it's a very simple return, only 20 pages!

Could it be as simple as finding a good Realtor, buying in a working class neighborhood, etc, and renting it out?

Grace Property Management is pretty decent.As for the draining of the buckets, simple solution. 

Design called for this to be installed on same plane as the doors.

More of a simple screening tool, and at least I have some kind of idea for who to go after if there are damages of fraud. 

Zoning change and a lot of design an lobbying.

I'd check out Natalie Kolodij's podcast- she knows her stuff and she makes the concepts simple and interesting. 

The people who can share those kinds of resources are the people doing the design and drafting work as their profession. 

I am leaning towards demolishing the house and building a simple 3/2 but I have no market data in the city for new builds in recent years.