I own the property have no agreement with them, signed no paperwork  and I have the option of running a bulldozer though it if I choose  I have a deed proving ownership.  

Leave the owners alone, when and if they are ready to sell, they will, and there will be plenty of lots to choose from on the MLS.I have no statistics to back this up, but in my casual observation after our fire is about 1/3 of the owners rebuilt their homes (some built similar, some duplicated exactly--big mistake, and some built better/nicer/larger homes). 

Choosing between a single-family home and a duplex is a classic real estate investor dilemma.

Companies have considerable flexibility in choosing where to set up new operations.

The property itself should bring in revenue ( even if you choose not to live in one side) and generally a bank will accept a portion of that rental income into the calculation. 

I would encourage you to read this beginners guide from BiggerPockets, it's a good bit of information so pick and choose what you want to read or read it all.

The consistent population and job growth are driving real estate values along with many companies choosing to move and develop here like Intel, Amazon, Google, Meta, etc.

If it does, but more money down, or forego appreciation and choose a stagnent market that cashflows.

Question: assuming an ideal brrrr that has all investment extracted at the refinance, why would you choose a low cost market over a high cost market?

HI @James TobinAs you get into the RE market, regardless of where you choose use this website as a good starting point to find out what the areas are likehttps://www.areavibes.com/Best of luck from Fort Worth