Wow, what an incredibly unfortunate situation. 

You will waste an incredible amount of time trying to do the "possible".So instead find an investment that is probable, not possible.

Unless you think the property is in a good potential growth area, I would probably consider leveraging into a property that produces a higher ROI.Best,Andrew

Because I currently rent to section 8 tenants I thought this would be a good loan to apply for in order to turn my duplex in to a triplex or at least to add another bedroom and bathroom and increase the passive income that the ulhome produces.

Therefore, any apt with outdoor space is incredibly desirable.Regardless, in regards to Covid-19... my bet now is that you can advertise your apts as being "Pandemic Resistant" if you are surrounded by Sky rise buildings with Elevators.I'm not sure of your particular neighborhood, but I find this to be the case with NYC in general.If you are in a high density area, which I believe SF is...

Do we buy us a house first or buy income producing property?

The day 1 equity and cash flow the deal was going to be producing based on the enter price.

Can get a grasp of that by calling a high producing realtor in that area.

In my opinion, it is incredibly important to evaluate your life and compare that to how your life would be if you had ventured to each of the types of real estate investing strategies. 

House has been rented for 14 years, producing decent returns and solid depreciation!