But that is only part of the equation as the assessment can vary widely in my area.  

I would never hire out snow removal for a duplex because in SE WI it would be too expensive relative to the income of just two units; and the costs can vary so much depending on how bad the winter is. 

Your system is a hot water system typically supplying water at 140 degrees.

As an Investor & Realtor it depends and varies depending on your location.  

The best ones are: probates and evictions - and to a lesser degree out-of-state owners.

To begin, I'd like to find one or more good (& hopefully) quick methods to figure out what that standard is after ascertaining which neighborhoods to focus on.I have a varied background, including computer programming, and my husband has been in the business of healthcare providing.

You can control debt, to a degree, by finishing faster.On the other hand, if you are doing a particularly risky flip, with an uncertain timeline or cost, a 50/50 partner can offset some of that risk.

The young couple and I tracked the 45 degree drive way...  

For starters, you're able to depreciate the property you purchase over 27.5 years (I didn't even know about this gem), meaning that you can actually write off several thousand (obviously that number will vary depending upon which part of the country you're in. 

You can create a navigable 360-degree virtual tours with this company.www.truviewrealestate.com I have done work creating 3d models using laser scanning technology in the commercial construction world.