Boston is the 3rd most expensive market in the country, and DC is the 4th.

I have high equity in my current duplex so planning on using that to fund down payment for the next property.  

Unless you still want to buy the property, the seller is in breech for not closing because you are full ready to close but they haven't or refused to sign anything.In NC if the seller breaches, the buyer can sue for specific performance.

No need to invest out of state, when you are in one of the best places in the world to invest in real estate. 

Next steps include analyzing deals, connecting locally, and studying financing options.Good luck!

You might want to speak with the owner of the house next door and let them know you'd like to buy it.

@Shawn Ackerman  You're preaching to the choir. 

The options are, demo the lot, split the lot and then sell 2 lots to the builder or build myself.

I am also in the engineering field (Civil and Land Survey).

Or is that actual so you have the ability to add more to the bottom line?