Fortunately, the city has given me permission to rehabilitate the house, which I plan to use as an Airbnb.

Hey your agent involved to get answers to the questions and speak directly with seller / sellers agent

Hi, My name is Dorien, I am an experienced investor involved in wholesaling, to include all types of real estate development.  

or which improvements to make? 

Newbie here, looking to house hack first duplex.

What strategies do you use to build strong relationships with private money lenders, and how have these connections influenced your investment success?

Haven't found much resources on how to structure the deal whether to buy out partner's shares at existing basis (I believe this wouldn't be advantageous as I wouldn't get to mark the asset to market and lose out on depreciation) or open new LLC or S-Corp and buy out both partners (I would end up taking gain tax due to sale but would get new dep. basis).

So you’ve lost 33% because of vacancy and now you’re trying to lose another 20% to lower rent.  

Hi Dave,Forgive the late reply; I'm new to the BP forum, but thoughtI'd offer my thoughts.

At the moment is not that I need this money to continue investing.