Though I did do a lot of "pre-elimination", just by driving past a house for sale and seeing it's neighborhood/condition.   

One suggests converting into mini splits for reasons 1. units already wired for electricity heating and lots of work have been done2. mini splits are more energy efficient than current system3. it provides air conditioning in summer which would be attractive to tenantsAnother suggests going back to boiler because electricity is just too expensive.

Also, I guess that lots of you have maid market visits like this so if you have any suggestions of “must do” action items for an out of state real estate investor that would be great.Scheduled Plans Meet with local connection (friend REI) – general discussion over locations, economy, having a good time and meeting other people.Meet with Agent – first Face to Face meeting + attend showing of researched property at that timeMeet with PM – first Face to Face meeting, meet the team, see previous work available for rent, request to meet other professionals in the industryAttend local REIA meetings (I looked at the local REIA and they have 3 meetings on that week.)Personal time - drive through Concord + Gastonia (secondary markets except Charlotte city) main locations and get an eye view of “lower condition” propertiesAppreciate your comments.Thank, Guy

Account Closed it sounds like the appraisal was a comparable to another duplex, probably of similar size, age and condition.

@Ryan Pilioglas the hard part will be finding the sellers willing to sell at your price, this has become tougher as everyone has discovered the Zestimate and disregards the condition of their home.

The LA market is different where a multifam in a rough neighborhood will run you anywhere from $450k - $3MM depending on the number of units, the condition of the property, whether you're inheriting low rent tenants, and how bad the neighborhood is.

Best case live rent free if anything but thats not my goal.

Some fear going it alone, others are in a relationship and want/need their partner’s support, some are afraid of change, and others are too comfortable with their current conditions to be motivated to change.

I'd just ask what condition the property is - if it's not turnkey then the 5% for capex, maintenance may be too low (and I agree with Cade that vacancy should be bumped up a bit too) - 8% is where I'd start with those three, being as conservative as I am.Who is paying utilities and associated costs? 

This was stated in the loan terms and conditions which was agreed to, so we shouldn't debate over this as it's a set term&condition before getting funded by the company.