Luckily we approached a community bank suggested by a fellow investor. 

Then I would approach the seller about potentially lowering his asking price based on their condition, however if the seller has already stated they are unwilling to replace them, you may find they are also not open to the idea of sharing the cost of replacement.

Just moved back to the area and looking to leverage one of our properties as it is approaching 50% LTV. 2bd/1ba condo. 63 months with zero gaps in vacancy.

There are a lot of different ways to approach buying your first home, so sitting down with someone that knows more your specific situation would be a good place to start. 

If you want real estate to grow into a large investment for you, that is the approach you need to take.

@Andrew NealMy husband and I don’t have the duplex yet, but we’ll definitely look for duplexes that we can afford with our incomes because I prefer a conservative approach to investing.

However, I'm also in strong agreement with the licensed ccw approach too. if at all possible, bring the person and the ccw. make sure you bring someone that will have your back and can assist you if necessary. being able to identify the perp after they've battered/killed you is important in the eyes of justice, yet its not really preventative. hopefully most realize the difference. if someone has malicious tendencies towards a real estate agency/sales people, r.e. investor its the preventative measures that could save your life and that matters most. the reality is as many people that are in prison...there are a lot of sick people loose in the public of anytown usa. we all have access to phones to try to dial 911 but the opportunity may not be available. self-defense is first priority in my book.kudos,Mary 

not sure if that area's economy has improved but I was looking at stuff pre GFC there and it was pretty depressed. although Its one of my favorite airports to fly into.. especially landing from the west and coming in over the ocean and Bay its a really cool approach and the 100.00 hamburger joint on the field was good. although i think it may have closed.To me its one of those markets you have to be super careful in.  

Obviously there are lots of ways to approach the game.

I recommend reaching out to rental investors in the area you decide to reside, approach them as a fellow investor.