There are a few different ways to go about either 1. getting the existing tenants out a little more constructively  (and much less risky/problematic for you) prior to closing or 2. finding properties that have already been vacated.Feel free to send me a PM (private message) if you have any other questions or would like to discuss this further.

I have the plans in hand for 5 duplexes I already own and am curious as to ballpark ideas on what it would cost to build some from scratch.

I would act as my own general contractor and do some of the work as well. T...

I bought it with a mini-construction loan (rolled purchase price and rehab into a short-term loan) from a local bank.  

If we did decide to partner with her, I'm not sure how to work out the details of our partnership, the property would be in her name obviously and I'm thinking we could split the profits 50/50 because she's bringing money to the table and we're bringing our construction/property mgmt expertise to the table.

I'm in the construction industry MEP project engineer.

The owner of the $2.4 million house won't complain, and it's a boom for construction, real estate agents, car dealerships, restaurants and others.

I have construction work history and I currently work for a property management company.

I spent 5 years in construction management as a project engineer until I received my BS in Finance at which point I began working in commercial lending for US Bank and did that for nearly 4 years.

An easier, more direct way is to go to every house you see being rehabbed and talk to the construction guys.

I have been involved in construction management and real estate for over 18 years and after awhile of sitting and watching the market I am getting back into actively looking for real estate projects to rehab and sell.