Very reliable when installed and left alone.

I have a plumber who is doing a job at my Cicero property, and I am happy to make the introduction if you need a reliable guy to take a look.

Can someone recommend good, reliable contractors?

It's hard enough to find a licensed and insured contractor who is great at their job and reliable, never mind if you started hiring handymen.Just like filtering tenants who don't meet your criteria I recommend you implementing finding licensed, and insured contractors as a filter to make your life easier long-term. 

I think the most reliable contingency to get out without a scratch is inspection contingency, isn’t it?

You could also employ an agent to do this for you, but it would be a CMA, not an appraisal, and not as reliable, depending on the agent.* All other properties in the neighborhood are 1 level.

I can reliably make ~15% returns by investing in real estate.Given how much debt you have and your current living situation, I would split the difference. 

@Susan ElliottIf you have the set up that I mentioned earlierPublic utilities and all tenant owned homes..All you need is a reliable person to upkeep the grounds and have a system where tenants can drop of their monthly lot rent at a local bank.. preferably walking distance.. it's almost autopilot..

Have also heard concerns with powered point of use solutions because of reliability, resident tampering, residents thinking it's weird that they are showering with an electronic device attached to the shower head (it it going to electrocute me, is it watching me).

I'm looking for an honest and reliable property management company who can help us find tenants and manage the duplex on our behalf.