Hard work and sacrifice will work as a magnet for people to help you because they see you going through what they went throughFor financing options I like the BP book "investing with no or low money down" but this isn't possible unless you get a really good off market deal.

I added a new exterior entry to the lower level.  

Our duplexes come with R20 ceilings and R14 exterior walls this provides a level of insulation much higher than is standard and results in lower energy costs and is an element that can be taken into consideration in appraisal-Seek home improvements above stock plan to close the deal with your modular dealer.

The entire property was fenced in for pets, exterior of the home painted, and a driveway installed.

Today, there are properties with indoor basketball courts, lazy rivers, movie theaters, and exterior spiral slides going from the upper deck to the lower deck...truly creative ways of grabbing the first round of renters.Even though my rents were steady because I had a hefty repeat renter business by then, I realized that this trend of having a large luxury home was not enough if I wanted to capture more renters.  

Also NEVER mention even in passing something you would like to do to the property like “I really would like to install new windows or repaint the exterior of the house,” etc. because the tenants will pester you about it until you do.  

I'd start by painting the exterior of the house a different color so it doesn't look as familiar and I’d refresh the front landscape.

I am remodeling and updating the interior and exterior of the house.

The HOA covers exterior/roofing, parking management, landscaping, and pools. 

(No idea how long that might be)I can get a contract on one unit but it would be contingent on being able to purchase both units since they share the exterior and both sides need a complete exterior overhaul.