A contractor is quoting me 7.4 K to remodel two bathtub / showers. 

The HML returns have been far superior to buy and hold PLUS you don't have the joys of tenants and toilets:)

Do you have experience with home remodeling, or did you just go for it and learn as you went?

All appliances, furniture, fixtures and even the toilets were all gone.

So, as mentioned, acquire new property under a HELOC, remodel it, stabalize it with good renters, then convert to long term fixed debt, for example is a great use IMO.

You hit the jackpot Very very good find, since usually in hoarder's houses, all you find are piles and monuments of feces and toilet paper

This is really competing for one of the stupidest things I've ever read on BP...lolSeriously - you want to continue paying for your living expenses elsewhere, and too boot loose money on a duplex because you want to keep one side vacant, which is in clear violation of FHA guidelines, by the way...Just flush your DP down the toilet.

Remodeling?

A recent remodel? 

(For hvac and appliances, we have found small one-man shows to be priced well and easiest to work with) Outside of remodeling, we rarely need an electrician.