Relentless ACTIONWhy aren’t you taking action?

Some of the lenders that offer amazing terms will back out of the really juicy deals since they aren't stable enough OR, they will ask for a larger down payment which is the other way they have of killing deals that they don't want to outright deny. 

As long as the bones are sound and you aren't dealing with leaning, major sagging or other structural issues, then why not dive in?

If there aren't any duplexes around....or if the ones that are around are so far away and in a less desirable neighborhood...then it may not make sense.  

I'd recommend trying to snag something off market or maybe looking in a few different areas that aren't too far.

Are there homes that aren't ridiculously overpriced or homes that you can get at asking price, even a little under?

I'd say the reason that the cash payments aren't on the seller's returns is likely obvious . . . they didn't claim them OR didn't receive them.  

Take a picture and send it to them if they aren't sure about what you are asking for them to do.

I've also asked about making use of the existing well/septic, although I anticipate on simply replacing same with the new construction.Our counties aren't very modern -- while tax info is available online, I still have to go to the courthouse to research any other liens/judgements against the current owner to see if there are hidden claims to the property.  

Um, no we aren't and even if we were, we'd not be using secondhand toys.