You could install a locked drop box at the building for the tenants to put their checks in.

So now I am 25 and I was finally presented with an opportunity (duplexes are super rare in my area/state btw) I put an offer in and it's looking like it's gonna be accepted!!

And it’s extremely rare to find people you can trust like that in this business, as most people tend to look out for their own interests first.

Sellers rarely mind the low deposit and extended closing period due to the nature of the property, or at least they can be made aware of the fact that their lot has issues that will take MY time and MY money to solve and then they come around.My terms on the flip are: Minimum 10K spread between purchase and flip value.  1-2K deposit upfront to hold the property for 7 days then the deposit becomes non-refundable after the 7th day and the buyer has the same amount of time that I originally negotiated with seller typically 8-12 months(its a purchase contract but because of contingencies its essentially an option).  

Or take cash and pay the tax on their portion.Only your accountant will know whether this kind of drop and swap is possible without a tax event. 

It would be a rare new RE investor that could hope to have taken on this project without partners with experience.My point is investors in different stages of life and experience have different criteria for their RE investments.  

Make sure you are working with a Realtor who specializes in investment properties because it isn't rare to think the property is rent ready and then it isn't.

If your average heating bill is $150, you may not collect enough in the winter months when the bill reaches $225 but you'll collect extra in the summer when it drops to $65.

There has been a ton of new construction for housing the past 4 years and that’s why vacancy rates are 10-12% and rental rates have dropped the past couple of years. 

Sundays see if they need Sunday newspaper drop off.