I live in Los Angeles so will be investing long distance. 

If given a choice between one paid-in-full property and two identical properties with 50% leverage, the latter will always out perform in the long run.  

Still it will be a long time to fully solve but the RE prices today are based on a severe sewage issue.  

For an additional $100 I can buy a quality Delta kitchen faucet from Ferguson or other local supply houses  that will last me years. 

You can use this as a lessons learned and get a better idea for how long something takes and how much it costs. 

He also Forgot to mention that anyone who bought in dc in the last 2-3 years at least, and for condos possibly 5-10is underwater. 

The buyers have reported that they are unable to obtain financing since the duplex (built in 1907) is located in an area that is zoned for single family homes (Toledo zoning was established much later).

But how long will it take you? 

RobinHave the neighbors been treating the property this way for a long time?

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.