Why wouldn't you do value-add work on the units configured as they are?

Usually one tenant gets the basement if there is one, but the other units are just configured adjacently to eachother with separate entry and exit per unit.Example I run into often: A property that was converted from SFR to duplex without permitting in 1950 was not enforced as a violation of code due to cities needing more housing supply for returning WW2 veterans.

Not to say I wouldn't be open to the idea but visually I just cant see a configuration that gives the current rent price I'm shooting for besides the duplex model. 

It's highly configurable and very powerful.

Since there is no place to put a drainfield in for a new septic system because of the way the yard is configured, the cost for the type of system I would need is around $30,000 I have been told.My question is, if my numbers still look good after getting a firm quote from the contractor, having a home inspection done, and the cesspit clears the inspection, would you recommend proceeding with the purchase?

Now depending on how your property is configured and how your lease is written, you can then have each tenant take care of their yard.

While you may be allowed to put X units on that piece of property, an engineer may determine that there is no practical way to get anywhere near X units based on the lot configuration.

We might be open to a living in one unit of a multi-unit property too, if it's configured right.We're primarily interested in buying in the East Bay (ideally Berkeley) for proximity to work.

If the front isn't deep enough have a u-shaped driveway with in an H configuration where they park on the side and just back out and turn to go on the road.

That being said, people make all kinds of offers that don't make sense.What's the configuration of the lot?