They told me they weren't damaging the property on purpose.

Investigating the potential of an additional onto a house for the purposes of going from 2 br 1 ba each duplex, to 3 br, 2 bath each duplex. 

I already used Bigger Pockets tools for that purpose.

They do not teach appraisal or comparative market analysis in real estate school.

But I don't think the risks of ramifications from trying to level it for the sake of one bedroom (out of 5 bedrooms) in corner of the house is worth it for this price range just for aesthetic purposes.

How much more of a factor is the market, compared to the numbers on the deal?

You're better off asking your bank.I'd think that because they are individual parceled, they wouldn't be treated as a regular 16 unit MF for tax or any other purposes. 

Purpose built rental properties are priced normally by cap rates.

People who hold large sums of cash outside the bank generally do so for the purpose of tax evasion.

Hello Chris,  The main purpose of obtaining a real estate license is to that you can lawfully recieve a commission when buying, selling or leasing real property for clients.