If you are going to keep this CT property for a long period of time, and the fixed-rate loan lets you cashflow your target amount it will not matter 10 years from now you paid 10,000-20,000 over what you think it was worth.

Myself personally, I was taught how to appraise by an MAI Appraiser, so fortunately for myself I believe I was "correctly" trained and use "correct" actions for formulate my cma's/BPO's. 

Oversubsidized overbuilt apartment buildings may continue to keep rent levels fixed or declining. 

U would be tresspassing if you go on the property.. although me personally I never let that stop me. 

She did not keep the house in good shape while she lived there for 20+ years and she smoked A LOT.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Trying to keep it as long term rental, I'm getting 5/1 arm starting at 7.4, also 75% interest only 6.8%.. what would be the best deal to get out of the HM?

Fools investmentThere's a fire- cannot rebuild and investor loses everything; owner ruins his credit; injured tenant sues everyone; everyone broke.Lender calls the loan- everyone losesPaying down a loan does not reduce a payment, this is not a HELOC so that part is not math.There is zero equity to loan on, no one will loan on this.What would buyer have to do to convince a poor elderly person to take this risk- scare them, threaten, lie?

I personally prefer to start now, than later.If you can afford a duplex financially with a bank and rent the other half to pay for most of your mortgage, why not?

Either way, the best next step for you is going to be to talk to a lender and dig into your personal situation.