The study could also identify the opportunity to capture additional benefits such as dispositions, and repair and maintenance expenditures.

I would say it's more of a scam to offer a seller <70% on a property that needs $5k in material repairs  and flip it for 125% without stepping foot in the property.

Market might be competitive but there is angles to stand out depending on what you are comfortable and able to handle, such as waiving an appraisal contingency, limitng inspection rights and time frames, closing time frames, allowing seller to stay-post closing, taking on difficult tenants, buying properties that might need repairs, etc.

The catch is she is retired and won't have income except SS, thus I would be paying for everything...the HOA, repairs, utilities, insurance, etc.

Additionally, transitioning certain activities, such as maintenance and repairs, to be conducted directly through the business entity could strengthen your position for claiming deductions.

Appreciation is great, but not when all of that appreciation is eaten by the repairs you aren't doing.

Personally I do not like providing appliances for tenants as the repairs and headaches start adding up.

I'm thinking that repairing the plumbing leaks and getting the soil dried out could be a permanent solution.   

Knowing exactly what’s happening with the duplex—rents, repairs, tenant feedback—can help you catch issues early and save time, stress, and money in the long run.

Handle a few properties for other owners, minor repairs, find new tenants, and rake in 10% .