What kind of research do I need to do on the property?

You will here this a lot “Keep your analysis conservative “.The last thing you should do is try to get some kind of idea of the condition of the property.  

@Mike Kooser Sr You have to  keep the equity some may ask for 20% or 30% depend what kind of loan you are getting.

I strongly suggest we dig up the 12 feet of pipe and replace it because evidently there are a couple spots big enough to where you will be having this problem every year with tree roots.Total cost, parts and labor, is $2,500 to:Remove and stack the bricks (there are bricks laid over where the piping is) but will not reinstall themDig up and replace 12' of 4" piping [he didn't mention what kind of piping] from clean out to septicPut copper sulfite at the joints to eliminate any risk of roots growing around new piping

I have land in my possession and need to know if IRS like kind rules allow me to construct a duplex on the property. 

- What kind of property are you buying? 

Match the right kind of financing with the right kind of asset.

I wanted to split it up into 3 screens kind of like how BP does for their podcasts.

Howdy @Dylan BarnardThere can be all kinds of hidden issues with an older property.  

So I would like to come up with some kind of contract stating that I agree to sell to them and they agree to buy from me etc.