We figure a duplex style home is a good way to keep her nearby and since she pays rent anyways, why not have her pay us?

The style looks very odd to me and in fact, as one might guess, there are water intrusion problems around all the windows (upstairs and downstairs).  

Depending on who your buyer is, the neighborhood style of homes and competition, your floorplan and standard features will dictate your profitability.

As far as the style granite, I chose the cheapest granite that went with the color scheme I was designing.   

But it wouldn't hurt to try and build one off your evaluation style. 

Getting out and firing a bunch of different handguns allows you to see what size, style, and caliber you like best.

Also, the luxury style condos are very affordable.

Define strategies for how you could get the money (you can find lots of discussion on raising capital on BP) and estimated costs for various items.Look around your area for finished retail homes to see what styles and finishes are popular and what is selling in your area.

Our plan right now is the following.  1) Put a dormer on the back in order to add a 2nd full bath.  2) Redo the 1st bath (old 50's styling).  3) Update kitchen/living area.  

Loan programs such as the FHA 203K or Fannie Mae Home Style are fantastic options for a property that has suffered fire damage.