"Best and final" from you, or from multiple bidders, in no way implies they can't, or won't, continue to look for offers from others.  

(Not trying to imply that it is heading that way, just wanting to be prepared)5) Does anyone have any experience using a VA loan that would want to share how it went?

Many aren't, but a permit here in SA implies an engineer letter to close which serves as a check/balance.

I ok I misunderstood, I thought you were implying that you would move into the duplex and rent out your old house after your parents move out.  

Wouldn't that imply the property has already been claimed?

At least your note implies you are selling out of state and buying in state (maybe not).One of the states I have property in Maryland does not have Claw Back provision but requires some evidence over time that the 1031 exchange was in fact executed and held. 

I noticed you're a former personal trainer too and I've been doing that the past 8 years.

$100 a SF can be a bad deal and $200 a SF can be a great deal, depends on lots of other things.Just buying under building costs does not imply a deal.

By saying this is what WE do, we do this and we do that, etc. implies others might be helping or assisting you, and there are others.

My grandpa had told me that there was nothing good north of I-94 (implying higher crime).