., I add 150 square feet and put in an exterior door, but I can't use the 150 square feet for kitchenette, laundry, etc.?

But I have been looking into splitting the duplex into two condos (yes I know it is a lot of work) and I could probably get 325-350k for each, netting me 650-700k.Number:* Mortgage interest 2.5%* Mortgage principle 240k* PITI $2100/month* Rent 2200/month (current tenant on a two year lease)* Potential rent on my side $2400/month * 100k HELOC at 11% (fixed) (not currently being used)* est additional cost to split the dueplex 75-100k (conservative, probably less)     *new siding 30k (just put on a new roof this year)     *legal 10-15k     *fire proofing 15k     * 15-40k for stuff I am not aware of or underestimated on* some of the appreciation is external from the home     *big grocery store put in 3min away     * newly paved road in front of my house     *a building that was falling down across the street has been torn down          * Still a vacant lot with the foundation exposed and fencing around it (so more local improvements are on the way)Part of me wants to take the money and run but man I love that 2.5% interest rate and the $2000/month cash flow (including taxes and capx)I have thought about 1031 exchanging into more rentals, but I would like to pivot into storage units.

I put in a claim (my first one ever, by the way) and have not been able to get an update for 1.5 months now. 

You'll put in offers and not even get responses, you'll get No's, but eventually you'll get a yes and can go from "starting" to "being" a Real Estate Investor. 

It's a financial and time cost, it's a distraction.

You have to put in the work to ensure your asset is generating maximum revenue, and costing you the least amount in repair costs.

Do you guys / gals, see a problem with the renovated units not having the ability to intercom / buzz people in through the front door until a new system is put in place (which may not happen for years or ever)?

If I put in x amount of work when buying a property normally, I would put in 2x the work when buying it foreclosed , private party or from wholesaler. 

The first time my partner force me to put in 2% which I ended up doing..

I feel you need to get by the work you have put in plus your value added material and expertise.