They typically have a "designer" or "consultant" for free that can give advice (or research in your case) specific items.

@Samuel Metcalf- thanks   1) I would recomend getting a HELOC in place on your primary residence duplex  for  as much as  possible...this should be available for  free or a low  cost and the rate will be variable in the  8-11%  range ...prime rate +  margin of  1-3% ) ...the min payment is in interest only payment on outstanding balance   2)  use the heloc for the  remodeling  costs ...pay it down as  agressively as you can   3) on the  purchase of the investmenet  1 unit -  you are  allowed to put as little as 15%  of the price for your down payment ...the pricing you get for the loan will improve  as your down payment  grows so you might look at  75% /  80%  and  85%  ltv  options 

If you need to talk through this in more detail feel free to reach out.

Download the free Deal Check app and start playing around with numbers and figure out how to analyze a deal.

Feel free to reach out, happy to chat further. 

Don’t be free and loose with your friend’s money. 

Feel free to DM me some initial details, didn’t see any on the website. :)

Feel free to reach out, my info is below.

Good luck on your journey and feel free to reach out if you ever need any guidance or advice.

I dont suppose you'll need to deal with the City but if you do feel free to reach out with any questions on their process.