While putting an actual number to that question is quite difficult, I do know that owning it and being in another country (regardless of good management or not) is going to take some energy and effort.Best of luck in the decision!

So I thought I'd put it to you to help with the best ideas for investing this 30k wisely so that I start broadening my income base in the most efficient way. 

She goes to court for us if there is an eviction in the mobile home park, she walks properties for us, she files my paperwork, she manages the rehabs and she does pretty much everything in a super efficient way.  

@Charlie MacPherson One thing to point out though, especially up here in MA, is that heat pump efficiency gets a lot worse when the temps are well below freezing.

It also has enough sq. ft. to accommodate the additional unit without having to consider it an efficiency unit.But also agree, we'll just start simple with adding more living space / the duplex down, and keep things flexible for the future.  

Unless the loan officer is a hack I would highly recommend staying loyal to the person who has lent his time and energy. 

The radiant electric heat, from what I've been told and researched, could actually be fairly efficient, especially because the house is well insulated with newer windows. 

Hey BP whats are your top three ways you cut your energy bill?

I will shift my energy in finding a good deal and advertise that good deal.

It also might be more tax efficient because you could separate the units and claim one as your primary and the other as a rental, but I'm not a tax guy so check into that.