Also, if you have any recommendations for portfolio lending, private lending and or commercial lending, I would appreciate the referral. 

Many believe this program has significant potential to encourage the private investment of billions of dollars in low-income communities across the United States - it's important we get this right!.

If their simply visiting grandma who had her kidney removed and is in a private room fully stable and it was just a convenient vising time for the renter, then I may decline.

If you have enough income yourself you will not need it leased up- if you go for portfolio financing locally they will most likely want the property to be leased up first and possible the above habitability as well- if you're looking for hard money you will not need habitability or leased up but as a downside the rates/terms are not as good- private money - wild west any thing goes as long as the lender is cool with and you're willing to borrowSo it depends on what condition the property is in currently and if its getting leased up soon?

More than likely your best bet is to just keep everything the same. 

They can also work on getting their brokers license and open up shop.As far as qualifying buyer YOU BET I send them financials to fill out before jumping on a call with them.

If you cant refi my bet would be to pile up the cash in a separate account so that you can build up a nice down payment for another duplex. 

The very best book for a beginner (and pros) is “Investing in private equity real estate”.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to chat through private message or another means.

I bet most of these guys in your area would know just by the address what the potential for asbestos would be and possibly could alleviate your fears by a simple inspection.