I do not know where to start officially so advice on how to secure a loan, which loans I should seek after, how to go about doing inspections, etc would help so so so much!

An emergency is something that could harm someone's health or cause damage to the property if not dealt with immediately.

Even if figures make sense on paper today, there is just so much up in the air that I would rather wait to see how things shake out from the health side as well which is a big factor in how we get back into pre-2020 lifestyle.

I've had good success issuing official notice, letting them know how much back rent they owe, and offering to forgive said back rent if they move out by x date.

How easy is it to deal with the local officials?

I think you have valid concerns about their financial health and it is not unethical for you to reject their application based on those concerns. 

In other words, many times, it's not just about "current land values", ...but it's about "live events" unfolding with the land owners (Sellers).Health issues, death, disability, financial troubles, legal problems, "divorce or separation", job loss (which is a big deal now!)

Also would I be able to physically split the home in half, maybe add an extra kitchen, build some walls and Officially call it a Duplex to receive more rental income when I move out to purchase my second home to repeat the process???

I’ll post a more official 10 year plan in the next coming days.

But it is 2 doors down from a hosipital that has recently been taken over by a larger health care group and according to the people I have talked to in the neighborhood things are much safer.