Another option they have is to hire someone to get them out using borderline legal methods (this type of business is booming there now). 

I'd appreciate advice in how to structure this specific kind of deal:- Current owner is a neighbor/friend, who is 75 and wanting to get out of two duplexes in the near future (4-12 months).  

It seems this may be a difficult expense to estimate given that it is not entirely clear what will be included in a property's "repair and maintenance costs", but maybe some of you have a rule of thumb or method to help you estimate these expenses? 

If you're interested in learning more about finding your niche as a real estate investor and options for marketing methods, I wrote a whole book on the subject. 

Plus the LLC can be structured to meet your partnership needs, exit strategies, etc

I prefer to give the BRRRR method a shot.

I will adopt your method.

He's very familiar with VA loans and great at being a little creative to structure the loan in a way that works best for you and keeps your costs as low as they can be.  

An executed document delineating duties, expectations and compensation structure.

You can see the crack in the foundation along the back of the structure as well as feel the lean of one of the units.