But, if things go well. so far, i've heard from my brother that the owners of the property we are aiming for, are being difficult and wanted us to make the offer before looking inside the physically looking inside both the units of the duplex. 

Your key considerations include loan approval, property management, market research, legal ownership, tax implications, and an emergency fund.

I'm interested in talking to someone about getting our nonconforming basement up to code to either duplex down or make it a legal unit if ADU ordinance passes city-wide.

Texas has a lot to offer, and it sounds like you’re on the right track!

This should eliminate the homeowner (1) selling a property while remaining liable for the note (subject to), (2) tying  up his property with a “buyer” who has no intent to close unless he finds someone to pay a higher price (wholesaler), (3) paying above market rental for an option to buy that can never be exercised (4) purchasing a property from a fix n flipper who did shoddy rehab, (5) purchasing a property with nebulous legal title, (6) contracting for home improvement with a fly by night contractor who then puts a mechanics lien on the property and (7) “listing” with a wholesaler disguised as a Realtor who doesn’t put the home on MLS. 

Business owners and investors (“Members”) create LLCs to protect their personal assets from legal liability.

- Consult legal and financial advisors when needed.

Ok, so definitely not looking for legal advice here....But...I know someone who has sold a business in Puerto Rico (7-figure sale) and is looking to move that money to the United States permanently.

On market, offered 30K below asking and got it How did you finance this deal?

On market, multiple offers so had to pay above asking.