New roof and gutters, updated vinyl double pane windows, resurfaced parking lot, and upgraded main water line.  

At minimum, I would try to establish rapport with one handyperson so you have someone on call for when things go wrong. 

Hey, I might have a leak in my roof....

I currently rent and am very frugal , no debt, drive a used car, have a roth ira etc I have an opportunity to get a 1980 4 bed 4 bath ranch duplex ,full basement , one car garage per side,, new roof, original mechanicals duplex from a family member off market in a solid B to B+ area/country setting 1.5 miles outside of east side of city of 150k people.

Major items include converting an office space to a full bath and walk in closet, existing bathroom renovation, new deck, add a new driveway and car port, kitchen renovation, new flooring, new windows and doors, paint, replace siding, replace roof and add some curb appeal.

The transition isn't just about property size; it's about shifting your entire approach.I've observed that successful transitions typically happen when investors have:- Stabilized 5-7 single-family rentals with systems in place- Built relationships with at least 2-3 reliable lenders- Established a maintenance crew that can handle larger projects- Accumulated at least 6 months of operating expenses as reservesI asked a client of mine who owns a 420-unit multi-family in Nevada how he started his RE investment journey, and he told me that he started with a duplex in Buena Park, CA, 40 years ago and used the 1031 exchange to grow his portfolio to 420 units, never paid taxes on sale of any of his properties.The most seamless path I've seen starts with small multi-family (5-10 units) rather than jumping straight to 50+ units.

Recognizing it needed attention, I negotiated $5,000 in seller concessions, a new roof, and a new furnace for one unit.

Foundation, Roof, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC. 

VA offers renovations loans as well to renovate or repair things like roof, convert garage to bedroom, adding sqft etc.

How did they miss the electrical & roof issues - or did you just not understand the inspection report?