I will have access to internet and a cellphone on hand.

Hi Lisa,We rented out a room for two and a half years when we bought our first home, never had a problem.  

Then I notice a dumpster in the driveway and a brand new roof on the house.

These aren't necessarily agents associated with that property, but you can see on that page how many recent transactions they've had and a customer rating, and click through to their agent biography. 

If you currently have a forced air furnace in the duplex, an a/c unit may not be too expensive, and probably won't require any additional duct work, assuming the furnace is relatively new and a compatible a/c unit is available. 

I've seen it take as long as 6 months and as little as 2 weeks.

There are no specific "minimum requirements," aside from "don't commit fraud" and a human BS test.

I really appreciate iGet a payoff with lenderGet repairs for FHA appraisal passageSee Cashflow with rent vs PITIBuy sub 2 and a note no paymentsLook at a TIC, tenants in common contractSee if @Bill Gulley can expound on the deal possibilities

Even with a garnishment, you have to pay the attorney an up front fee and a percentage of collections, so you would be fortunate to recoup 50%.My advice is to have no ego, anger, or payback when making the decision.  

It would definitely need some work done to make it livable, but it already has a bathroom and a separate exit and I'd like to maximize the space.