.- We drove around a few blocks to make sure the neighborhood is ok also did online research using the tips and techniques that i learned from Neal Bawa - Udemy Course.- If you buy a multi-unit property, its best to have it among single family residences, so the property will have a better opportunity to appreciate in value.

In the area that I am looking at there either old block basements or Michigan basements (think big crawl space).

The duplex is only half a mile from our house, in the same neighborhood but far enough away that the sellers or other people on that block are not "neighbors" that we know. 

Comps are all over the place in such a small area with such a mix of fixer uppers and luxury/renovated homes within a few blocks of the property.

I have built over 200 ft of block walls (slump stone), retaining walls up to 5' tall on the property line, planted food trees (including my prized Hass Avocado), block and rock hardscape, designed and installed all irrigation, put in the sod, etc.

(Exterior)Yard patio:• The patio block is covered in vegetation, recommend removal of vegetation to determine the condition of the blocks and repair as needed to ensure proper stability.House patio:• Repair the cracks and level the uneven sections on the patio to reduce water penetration and related damages and to prevent potential trip hazards.• Repair the gaps at the intersection between the patio and foundation wall to help prevent potential water penetration and related damages.• The patio appears to be sloping towards the foundation.

Worst house on the block in a good area.

I guess that's the only road block i am having from making my decision.

The studio mother-in-law is a block structure separate from the main house, so we'd literally have to knock it down, which would make no sense.

As far as insurance, live a block from the beach and I pay $2776  a year.