With our very expensive (and loving) Doberman puppy crated inside, we couldn't leave without locking the door.The owner was responsive, but he had no key onsite so he had to have one of his friends pick it up from somewhere else and deliver it.

There might be duplex builders out there that are more on the ball than others and can deliver quality faster, but I suggest continuing to save your money and look for existing properties, preferably the newer the better to save on insurance costs.

The way you deliver the space to the tenant depends upon the deal you negotiate with them.

Would I need to deliver a dedicated official Notice of Exemption to the tenant before being able to raise the rent, free of the rent caps?

When they meet the terms of the contract they get the property.Now, where this matters is to determine if the seller can actually deliver. 

You will need to get a letter from local RCO with their decision and vote registration that you will need for your maim hearing. 6)Before your RCO meeting, You will be given a special letterform that you will need to deliver to all residents within couple blocks radius.

Except as may be otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth in this Agreement or at such other addresses as may be subsequently specified by written notice. 10.06 Applicable Law and Venue.

@Steve Orluski I saw a guy delivering on Broadway at Clark yesterday and I thought....I wonder if that’s Steve.

.)- This really depends on the condition of the delivered suite. 

Put things in writing and mail them to her + hand deliver to the door.