How will the possible impeachment of a US President and US Supreme Court Judge impact the stock and real estate market, not to mention the global economy?

I also bought an ozone generator like mentioned above which helped a lot.

Is the property zoned for a duplex, if not you will need a variance from city hall with is another headache.Also, you do not want to make tenants live thru a large renovation as you mentioned. 

I was reading a chapter in one of the Bigger Pockets books just last night and Brandon mentions that he works with 'the best real estate agent in town'. 

Also probably worth mentioning I would definitely be wanting to self manage any acquired property, partly for the experience and also just because I have plenty of time to invest.

I have thought like you mention that I would rather have one of us purchases one house, "so for that exchange 100%  of the gain associated with that half would be deferred". 

(I.E. 1 mile, 1/2 mile, 1/4 mile, etc.)Like mentioned above property values can drastically change within a few blocks and/or between neighborhoods.I see properties all the time within 1 mile or less of each other that have significantly different values due to location.

The owner did mention they want to eliminate being responsible for the mortgage.

I'll probably add something into the special terms on my lease mentioning that just so there's no arguing about it. 

I would raise there rent to full market (they are not good enough tenants to deserve a reduced rent) and mention the filth being unacceptable and liable to attract insect/rodent infestations.