When people are not working, they have all day free to research these programs, apply for them, call companies for loan modification and plan their finances.

I would leave it as it is and see how well you can rent "as is" before doing a major modification.

The borrowers that tightened their family's belt, got second jobs, used savings or got a loan from a family member were "rewarded" for their sacrifices, in order to honor their commitment to the lending contract, by being denied a mortgage modification. 

But as it has been explained to me, should something happen on the property, because of all the un inspected modifications, I would be on the hook.

The new cabinets probably wont work with the existing flooring unless modifications are made to the kickplates.

The challenge is that my work really necessitates that I live very close to the office so I am a bit limited in location options if I were to live in my first home purchase...there aren't many duplexes that I know of in the area I'd be looking (north of herndon near 99).

Modification does not HAVE to mean reduction of principle.Solution: b) Start the Foreclosure process but the borrower sells prior to foreclosure which could result in you getting all your funds back AND a profit. 

It's not uncommon for home buyers to have existing leases they need to honor themselves, and other considerations, that necessitate waiting a couple of months before moving.Finally, as a landlord, be very careful not to use (or even sound like you're considering) age, familial status, or disability as factors in tenant selection.

Also, depending on the nature of the business, find out if you have to make any modifications based on zoning, fire code, or ADA...

That said, I offered to cover half of the unauthorized costs, and reminded the tenants that alterations/modifications require prior written approval.