If your having issues getting a duplex to work have you tried a 4 unit? 

I use Hocker Title -- they do off-market through the regular title process, but if something comes up that requires an attorney, there are attorneys on staff who can work through the issues. 

Additionally, I am running into an issue where contractors are already scheduled out six months in advance and I don't think I can wait that long to get this work done.

I found it to be very helpful in tracking the expenses but being able to upload just 5 receipts per month on the free tier was an issue so had to upgrade to paid.

Install cameras to catch any dumping activities and then report to police who should issue fines, make arrests, etc.

I also don’t mind having to do cosmetic renovations, but nothing major.

I did get an inspection and there is a plumbing issue that the city needs to take care of.  

Study up on legal issues, property management, market research, property analysis, and finance possibilities.Participate in online forums like BiggerPockets, attend meetups, join local investing clubs, and establish online and offline connections with other real estate investors.

Ultimately the borrower sold the property before sale so it was a non issue but had they not, and had we continued with default, if we did not restructure the foreclosure (difficult), we would have more than likely had to wait until sale, suffered a loss, then filed a title claim (Time...time...time...) to hopefully be made whole. 

if you're going to make a major purchase like this it has to be worth going there in person, potentially multiple times; setting up a team; looking at properties in person; etc.here's some good reading about what to expect.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1159104-overl...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1171104-the-m...