you can do one of several things. you can include electric in the rent (not always a good option) , you can stipulate, in the lease, that the electric bill is split 50-50, you can implement RUBS which divides the bill into the percentage of space it takes up (for example one side is bigger so they pay 60% of the electric, or the 2 bedroom pays 66% and the 1 bedroom pays 33%), or you can submeter the electric which allows you to split the bill you receive according to the actual electric used, finally you can discuss with your electric company what needs to be done to add a separate meter to the duplex. submeter and second meter are most expensive options, but in my opinion are the best for your long term sanity and profit.

@Morgan Hoke the DFW market is very hot - and has been for quite some time.

There are sections on the northwest side that experienced property managers won't touch.

I guess the brighter side of this is I can be a sponge, a blank slate and pick up advice and skills necessary to THRIVE.

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I would not yet go to Scott, but rather go to city hall building office (they're on the opposite side of zoning) and just say that you're about to buy this property and whether they see any problems in you obtaining a building permit as such.

In a perfect world: (in no particular order): Square/rectangular shape, 1-story, open floor plan, lower pitched roof fully trussed, slab on grade monolithic foundation, 24 o.c framing everywhere, T1-11 plyw. siding, minimal windows, minimal doors, minimal trim, minimum code electrical/HVAC/plumbing, carpet everywhere, avoid tile, laminate countertops, Home Depot cabinets, basic fixtures and appliances, no fencing, no trees or old stumps, minimize landscaping, minimize driveways and walkways, forget pavers, cleared flat lot, no fill, utility hookups available in front of house and best case they are aleady tapped, inspectors are easy to work with and pass everything the 1st time, subs show up when they need to and actually care.

The properties are on Cleveland's west side in Ohio City South of Lorain and in Eco Village South of Gordon Sq. so they are definitely older in age.  

The market is hot right now.

Not ideal mind you, no windows, only access would be through the garage (although the tenant would also get a garage), the only access I'd have to "my" side of the garage would be through the outside, etc.