I told them I changed my mind and will actually blow it all on a fancy vacation, since apparently they think this is a better way to spend the home equity...

Forming two separate LLC's to manage a duplex with one tenant is like putting on a condom while you are getting dressed to go to the club.  

These guys aren't fancy marketers.

Is that fancy doorknob going to make me a higher exit price?

Don't need any fancy analytics for this if you do better great but don't buy anything that does not meet at least this test as many times with older and out of area properties cost to run them are much higher than anyone can proforma its called blue sky.Unless said asset has 2 years of history IE tax returns and realiable fiancials..

Guess I'd have to wear a fancy suit and get like wood paneling in my office or something though...

I always laugh when folks pull out the fancy talk like "appropriate authorities" - why don't they just say who the plan on contacting?

I don’t do anything fancy but it’s been effective so far.

Nothing fancy or special here, you just have to come to terms with the fact that you are going to loose a bit of money on this particular deal.

This is with VERY basic finish out and nothing fancy.