Its fair to say the house was in distress so we basically made an emotional decision as we wanted the land thinking a house you can Always fix.

Separate electric meters(if multi)6.

So, it's sort of two separate topics here: 1.

Lots about permitting, fire separation, inspections, managing subs, all of it down to the landscaping.  

Or, should I get a separate checking or savings account for each one?

They typically have their own yard with fencing separating the units and each unit has access independent from the other units.   

The reason I was given, is that they (the sellers) saw me as less of a flight risk being as that I was less emotionally involved given the fact that the home was going to become a rental property.

I believe it is wrong for you to personally try to contact your ex-tenant because doing so will make you emotional and put you in a bad state-of-mind.

I’m a recently separated Marine Officer who is looking for a solid real estate attorney to work on setting up the business, wholesaling, and general RE investments in the area.

One is a brick duplex and the foundation is so bad in one room the walls and ceiling are literally separated the entire perimeter of the room.