That is why club houses, fancy mailboxes, flag poles, paved roads and beautiful signs are not to be considered. 

None of your "solutions' pave a way for actually purchasing the property. 

Because it's paving the path to "yes". 

Paving:  Tenant says this is a landlord responsibility. 

Reston is a truly masterfully planned community, with 55 miles of paved pathways, tennis courts and pools in every neighborhood, and several beautiful lakes that make the area very attractive to live in for residents.

I did see the area on google maps and saw that the roads were not paved.

., that's exactly the mindset and inaction that will pave a path to next waking up and saying "how'd we get here?

But I have been looking into splitting the duplex into two condos (yes I know it is a lot of work) and I could probably get 325-350k for each, netting me 650-700k.Number:* Mortgage interest 2.5%* Mortgage principle 240k* PITI $2100/month* Rent 2200/month (current tenant on a two year lease)* Potential rent on my side $2400/month * 100k HELOC at 11% (fixed) (not currently being used)* est additional cost to split the dueplex 75-100k (conservative, probably less)     *new siding 30k (just put on a new roof this year)     *legal 10-15k     *fire proofing 15k     * 15-40k for stuff I am not aware of or underestimated on* some of the appreciation is external from the home     *big grocery store put in 3min away     * newly paved road in front of my house     *a building that was falling down across the street has been torn down          * Still a vacant lot with the foundation exposed and fencing around it (so more local improvements are on the way)Part of me wants to take the money and run but man I love that 2.5% interest rate and the $2000/month cash flow (including taxes and capx)I have thought about 1031 exchanging into more rentals, but I would like to pivot into storage units.

While it requires careful consideration, delving into these alternatives can pave the way for successful investments.

Real estate is an amazing vehicle to pave your way to success!