I am just about to close on a duplex at $690k, and I expect to get $5500-6000 income from that. 

One of these properties was a flip, and I expect they have it priced too high, but 2-years ago I wouldn't have mattered.Bottom line is that there are deals, but they are hard to find right now, and you're unlikely to find them on the MLS. 

If you're asking for the every two week payment schedule you should expect to pay extra.  

I think in commercial leases it could be expected that the owner of the property compensate the listing agent x and if that agent chooses to cooperate with other brokers then so be it.

The city has charms and quirks that people from outside of Wisconsin would never expect.

Visiting the properties will also give you a sense of what to expect on properties coming in the market.

Can you articulate what sort of scenario you're expecting that would make this a good investment? 

The time isn’t necessarily an issue but if it’s in bad shape and you weren’t expecting that or don’t want that, may be time to walk away

If not, they may owe thousands (or tens of thousands) more than you expect the first mortgage to be.

Neighbors are nice, nothing gets stolen or broken, you sell your spec pre construction, you own the land, you can fund your own construction, get a C.O. in 90 days or less and close with your buyer the same day, no warranty calls ever!