Hello i'm brand new to the world of rental properties to provide semi passive income.

Looking at a (FSBO) semi-detached duplex property, 4-floors, each unit has 2BR, 1BTH, WSHR/DRYR in both, all-inclusive, currently both are occupied ($1500 and $1400).I would look to buy with roughly 5% down (save and invest the remainder of cash flow for repairs and emergency fund).

They hire contracts to do the work to get ready for sale, mostly semi shoddy work to get the property in what they feel is market ready for owner occupied buyers.

Make it semi threatening, but not offensive. 

I even make a semi-joke of it and tell them that the State wants me to disclose so that I don't take advantage of them.

Then, you can be semi-retired and enjoy the vast majority of your life!

Buying into a marginal or bad deal can create a nightmare for you for years to come that you want to get rid of.I didn't go into vacant multifamily buildings, or semi-performing as that is a totally different ball game to analyze and deal with.

This can be a professionally operated business or a hobby.Many hobby/semi professional landlords will choose to supplement their tenants rent, keeping it below market, mistakenly believing this some how improves their business profitability. 

Given your husbands background in construction, I would personally consider looking into a small multifamily (2-3 units) detached or semi-detached property in the city, that needs some work.

As far as an investment property (@Amanda Felton this might answer your question too) most traditional lenders will require around 20% down, although, I work for a semi-traditional lender and have options for investment property as low as 15% down.