I have spoken with the selling agent and have some maps that show flood planes, etc.Let me know what you all think!

But I think you either need to get on a plane and get familiar with the city yourself, or have boots on the ground here that you trust. 

He's planing on putting it up for sale when he's finished for around 200,000.

The plane ticket alone is more than the fine.

I visit my out-of-state properties twice a year and it's more than $2.5K when you look at plane tickets, hotel stays, car rental, etc. not to mention there is added risk when you can't drive by your property from time-to-time.

But I planed on asking that question for sure.

I am planing in purchasing a small business with cash to have some leverage on the price.

If you are planing on getting a mortgage to purchase most of these options would not be available for you.  

@John D.Where is the duplex and is he planing on living in one of the units?

Purchase price: $70,000 Single-family house to be turned into triplex, planing to live in one unit and renting the other two out.