Downside is I can't verify their identity but I like that I know their last name upon inquiry.

@Gail K. https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/ends-debate-israeli-study-shows-natural-immunity-13x-more-effective-vaccines-stopping(Cliff notes in article.

One thing to keep in mind if you look at an FHA based loan such as as 203k, you may have an Identity of Interest conflict. 

In this case if each unit was identical then the rental portion would be $200K and a 1031 into that property would be fine.The down payment for the entire purchase can come from the 1031 proceeds. 

Values in my area have gone up significantly and I'm curious if getting them re-appraised would allow me to depreciate more money over the next 27 years.The duplex I live in is worth atleast $300k now ($100k increase) and identical duplexes as my new one are being sold by my builder right now for $360k ($85k increase).

It sounds pretty identical to my house hack and rental here in Arvada.

If the units are identical, you're going to have next to an impossible time evicting the current tenant. 

If the cost / rent per unit was identical I would do the SFH as it gives you more options on the back end.

At the last minute, landlord asks to do a background check which stalled for months and I claimed that it was because of identity theft issues.

My investing start is almost identical to yours (same age and everything).