Seal it with all with oil based primer/ stain blocker and then start rebuilding!

The insurance company does not care whether I rebuild the property or walk away with the claim proceeds.Furthermore, I have no working history with the GC who wrote the estimates and with whom I contracted to do the work a year back.

Is there any demolition required before you can rebuild?

Mitigating extensive fire damage could very well be more expensive than rebuilding from the ground up.Also keep in mind that state laws will likely require you to disclose any material defects or damages to the home - even if they've all be repaired.

I am officially lost and don’t what to do... should I tear it down and rebuild a duplex or triplex?

It cost the same to rebuild per square foot, but in an OO they are also covering your personal property, furniture, jewelry etc.Shop around and see what type of deals you can get, you can also get better rates by going with a higher deductible, just make sure you can afford more out of pocket if you have to make a claim.

They should instead save this money and work on rebuilding their credit.  

For my local area, the utility will put up one pole, but after that, it's up to me to pay for it.In regards to roads, you could probably call a paving company, one of the large guys you see rebuilding roads every year, and ask them as they should know.

I would rebuild.

Therefore, if I know how to gut & rebuild the kitchen, have the time, make the time, etc.