Central A/C is damaged beyond repair and needed to be replaced, which can't be done economically or with coopperation of the HOA and other neiighboring owners.

I recommend you budget 5% of the gross rent (for the whole place, even what the rent would be if you were living in it as a tenant) for repairs and 5% for capital expenditures.

This is typically done 3x a year.Hire a company to deep clean the washing machine, drier, and dishwasher.Reimburse us for the combined 8 hours we have now spent on cleaning the home.Repaint the walls, at minimum in the basement.Prorate our rent for the days we are unable to be in the home due to the current issues and any repair time.Please let us know how you would like to proceed.Thank you,Sindy and Cary"You need a professional property manager!

I would be interested in connecting, my phone number is in my bio.

From repairs and maintenance?

In total, including money lost from rent, legal fees, and repairs, the situation cost almost $30k.

For instance, one client is currently dealing with a claim where a plumber sent to repair a toilet was accused by the tenant of sexual harassment. 

Repairs and maintenance was $3492.50 for the year. 

Since the price of a multi unit is double or sometimes 3x the price of a single family home, would it be smart to start off with a SFH and scale up from there or just make the leap into a duplex that I can force some appreciation with minor repairs.

I personally would sell the house - it's negatively cash flowing ~100/month, if you were to add in repairs/maintenance, CapEx, vacancy, rising insurance/property tax costs I would think you're actually losing more than you estimate (luckily it's new so you are on the very low end of that right now).