A duplex being more exposed to the whims of the retail buyer is double edged.

Ok, then, I'll repeat my other point:  The large majority of affordable housing in this market has either illegal additions or unpermitted work that exposes the buyer to potential violations.  

No grounding, very few outlets, lots of amateurish wiring in the basement, exposed wires, breaker panels are old, etc.

Laminate still has wood dust in it that can warp when exposed to moisture.

If a through body color porcelain is used, a chip of the surface exposes a color underneath that closely matches the surface - that's a good thing (not the chipping, but that it isn't a horrible outcome).

Buyers who see themselves living there will ask themselves the same question: in order to use this huge bathroom I'd probably have to live in the basement...Gas station, does not help the upper bathroom pic basically envisions you stepping out of the shower and exposing yourself to people filling up their cars in the morning.  

with property expenses coming out of just one account, then the more you expose ALL your properties to liability.

They do not generally have the skills/knowledge to buy right or often have the mistaken belief that cash buying or high equity is a protection when it has the opposite effect of exposing them to greater potential losses.Real estate investing is high risk primarily for the novice.

I do like Flipping Houses Exposed by Danny Johnson (he's been on the podcast) and How to Flip a House by Brant Phillips.

Functioning appliances, faucets all work, any flaking paint, any exposed spackle that hasn't been painted, and making sure all common area lights are working.