This process may involve evaluating the costs and feasibility of installing a wheelchair ramp, as well as any potential safety or zoning concerns.

Amidst the current economic uncertainty, are you as an investor prioritizing cash flow or appreciation in your passive, or active, real estate investment strategies?

This is the best link I found:https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/safety-inspecti...I agree, there isn't a lot of info to go off on the city website.    

Our company prefers tear down / new construction work personally, but as Jonathan wrote, unless the building has structural issues or some other form of disrepair that makes it uninhabitable (safety wise), you may be better off with a renovation and converting it into a 2-unit, if zoning permits. 

If it is long term there are many nice areas in the Seattle area to choose from and I would prioritize where over anything else.

( unless its a  safety or  helath  issue - it might be OK ) ...3) issues  noted by any appraiser  will need to be  completed  before any loan can close ( unless you get a lender approval for an  escrow holdback )    4) can  seller  or agents  contribute to have  repairs  done/ aid for ? 

Public safety and the ability to be sued is the number one thing my property inspector keeps stressing to me as a commercial investor.

Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation)FHA 203K (Pros)-Must be owner occupied -Lower Credit Score requirements (as low as 580) -Lower down payment requirements (as low as 3.5%) -Low interest rates -Down payment and closing costs can be given as a gift-Streamline refinancing (no home reappraisal, credit check, or income verification)FHA 203K (Cons)-Upfront Mortgage Insurance payment (~1.75%) and monthly for life of the loan-Need to secure reputable contractors, and need to be very diligent with paperwork-Lengthy Loan process (~45-60 days based on my research) -Rehab Limitations under Streamline FHA 203K ($35,000 max rehab budget + requires 15% contingency in case of cost overruns)Most non-structural, non-luxury items are acceptable:-Kitchen and bathroom remodels-Appliance replacement-Carpet and flooring-Roof replacement-Painting-Repairing safety and health issues-Energy-efficient improvementsFannie Mae Homestyle (Pros)-Doesn’t have to be owner occupied -Any type of renovation or repair is eligible (as long as it’s permanently affixed to the home and adds value)-Loan-to-Value is based on your home’s expected future value and not its value today-Renovations must be completed in 12 months and seller concessions are permitted (home sellers can pay closing costs if you add to your contract)-No upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium-Potentially lower Mortgage Insurance costs (if you’re putting less than 20% down) based on down payment and credit scoreFannie Mae Homestyle (Cons)-Higher down payment requirements (as low as 5% for 1-unit, 15% for 2-unit, 25% for 3-4 unit)-Higher credit score requirement (as low as 620 for primary residences, as low as 700 for second home or investment propertyIf you were in my situation, what type of home renovation loan would you use?

I have a few goals when getting a new tenant, and one is to insure the safety and peaceful existence of my current tenants.  

Learning to prioritize like an investor, Knowledge and asset (sustainment, protection, and leverage) must come first. 3.