Not to mention things like septic permits that used to take 6 to 8 weeks are coming back in 1 or 2. :-)I like it slow and steady. 

and the permitting process might be cumbersome. but similar to the roof, get some quotes and do the math if you want.

We hired another contractor (a church friend of a realtor that we'd used in the past and we trust this realtor 100%) and paid him $15,000 to start the same project and everything went great; he completed demolition, installed the new roof, and got some permits (roof permit, electrical, and plumbing).

The rule as I had read it was that if the property is intended to be rented out for more than 90 days, there is a requirement that there is a permit required.

The person will assist in some prop management but largely the GP will oversee/ manage most of the deal (design, permits, construction, leasing).

I also know the zoning/permits better than the appraiser on some of them because if they passed initial evaluation I looked up the zoning and permits. 

City permits for this are way harder than most people think and most neighbors in a residential area will NOT want this next door to them (NIMBY).

Are you up to date on all of your licensing and permitting to legally rent this duplex?  

After 18 months I still didn't have a building permit and decided to cut ties with the builder and forfeit my deposit. 

Make sure to check zoning laws and permit requirements in your area, and maybe connect with local contractors through referrals to get multiple quotes.