My duplex - built 1989, 2,060 sf, 2 bed/bath, 1 year old roof, value if I subdivide (county already approved) and sell each separately $150k each ($300k total)Investor duplex - built 1995, 2,300 sf, 2 bed/bath, 5 year old roof, value around $310kThe investors initial request was for an equal trade and they would pay realtor fees, which I replied wouldn't be equal due to buying/selling costs (recording fees, title insurance, closing fee, survey, inspections, loan fees, 1031 fees, accountant fees, repairs), taxes would increase due to new sale price, I'd trade a 3.75% mortgage for a higher one, and I'm on the 10th year of a 30 year loan so resetting that to a new loan would restart amortization and pay more towards interest.

Having a long-term rental while living abroad is do-able.Flipping houses while abroad, in my opinion, more difficult, especially if its your first go around with real estate.I would recommend taking a flight and staying in the area for a week and inspect the neighborhoods and make connections.You can reach out to @Elenis Camargo who has a PM company in Jacksonville.Best of luck though.

About 3 years ago she agreed to do a deal with me and we found the property and applied for the mortgage together and got to the inspection where a terrible problem was found with the foundation and that the walls of the building were significantly bowing.

Perform an inspection while you're at it. 

Buying a property without doing the proper inspections. 3.

Each require county inspections that extend the permit process.

Inspection scheduled.More soon.Cheers!

Right now what I am looking at is buying homes that are nearing completion so I can inspect them as they are built, and then buying the finished 3bd 2ba home with unfinished basement and finishing the basement myself to rent it as a 6bd 3ba.

His course will cost you 5k plus the downpayment of say $2500 on a property that likely needs work before it's ready for inspection. 

They offer a $10K repair fund to fix damages in addition to SD plus warranty for appliance repair etc.I have no say in whom they choose to move in, whether there are animals, limit on # of occupants etc. they reserve right to inspect property so i have no idea if they can tell me to remodel, paint etc.does this make sense i have a vacancy coming up in October (bad rental timing).