(Likely resale value on this second duplex is $110)Downside: more financing = more exposure to risk (the loan is 20 yr, first 5 years fixed, then floating.) downside is less cash flow because more goes to debt service.

I would have moved on and bought 10 other houses by now.....tell seller to call when titles clear.....time is your second biggest asset, knowledge is your first....can't get clear title ?

@Shital Thakkar Agreed but I think there's some downsides to Texas too, right?

Other downsides, heater is oil heat, and no central AC (just small window unit), large yard is very overgrown with Himalayan blackberry bushes, and no garage (converted garage to living room space).Upsides: decent condition wood flooring in bedrooms and about half of the living space area, newer vinyl windows in most of the house, outside siding in great shape, roof looks to be in good shape, and the most important upside is the neighborhood, excellent area.FinancialsThere are already multiple offers on the property and they are accepting offers until Monday morning.  

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt will be your biggest obstacles. 

The biggest thing he would be fighting with owning in this area is the fact the competition for apartments is so large.

They are obviously trying to unload the property.So your biggest thing might be finding renters.  

But the biggest barrier for an investor is that many coops and condos have an owner occupancy requirement or really strict rules about owner occupancy (like you can sublet a max of 2 out of every 5 years and other nonsense).

The biggest piece of advice I have is to make sure that everything you and your brother agree to is in writing and 100% understood by both of you. 

Area and price of the house is the biggest factor, Depending on what you pay for the house it could work or not work.