I control the deal, he makes extra income that pushes him closer to retirement.

You can send reminders that rents due and it keeps track of rent payments...All my tenants use it..I think they like it because it's one less time I come around inspecting what they are doing..lol

2 - How much does an inspection for a house around 1000 sqft cost?

Also, be certain to pull the appropriate permits and have the required inspections.

I'm in the process of retrofitting my duplex in Ottawa - a relatively easy one, just adding some sprinklers in the furnace room (self install + inspection for ~$1000) and some drywall in a basement hallway.First question - does the fire-retrofit inspection add value to the duplex, generally, in your experience?

I just got the inspection report this morning (April 24) and I should get the appraisal report this Friday (April 26th).

You need to get a 3rd party inspection to ensure the property is in the condition you expect.

12 month cash flowCopy of leasesCopy of move in inspection report

It seems pricey to get your furnaces/boilers inspected and maintained, but it's a whole lot cheaper than buying a new boiler/furnace. 

However, you should make an offer, get it under contract, get an inspection done, which will likely cost a few hundred bucks, but a small price to pay for locking down a good deal, and also a small price to pay for avoiding a major headache.