I would have relied on a couple people I trust to go visit the property to ensure the work was being done well. 

Then I decided to have the lead inspection to ensure that I was providing the safest environment for all future tenants and I started getting estimates as high as or higher than the painting.

Is raising money through a commercial bank or private investors the best way and how should I structure the deal to ensure the investors get paid back as quick as possible?

I would also say that as the owner of the property, you have to obligation to ensure that both duplex tenants have equal right to the property and that the space is used in a way that allows safe entry and exit. 

It will take several hours to ensure that everything is masked off properly so you don't make a mess.  

I will be getting a Broker's license,  just to ensure I stay on the "legal" side of the fence.

Ensure you are buying below FMV and that you understand your exit strategies.

I will walk through the property tomorrow before closing but what should I do to ensure the work was done properly besides just having the seller send me a copy of the invoice from the workThanks

Is it that the people don't stick around long enough to have success or is there no REAL TRAINING involved to actually ensure your SUCCESS?

Whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure it's as smooth as possible.Don't buy in the roughest neighborhood in the urban core.