Leveraging is risky, but you gain the scale up element of # of units. 

They are still the orignial clay lined from when the house had central coal heating. 

@Christian Wathne I don't know if you've seen the show(s) on HGTV about Tiny Houses, but there are a lot of alternatives in respect to the heat/water, etc.

This duplex sat for two Vermont winters with no heat.

Also, get the heat treat.

I am concerned that if I don't split the heat up by installing three smaller furnaces and let the tenants pay their own heat, I could run into high fuel expenses.

The house is a little over 2000 sq ft, newer roof (less than 5 yrs), newer windows (less than 5 yrs), 12 yr old water heater, multizone heat (1 year old furnace), forced air AC ( approx 1 yr), living room, family room, unfinished BS, 4 beds and 2.5 baths.

Needs very little work but the gas has been disconnected and meters removed, and there's some minor plumbing required for the forced water heat in the basement.

I have experience in building maintenance and have a general knowledge of heating and cooling.

Hands on investments" may have an element of risk, but being involved with friends and neighbors yields greater rewards than just ROI.Prudent loss management decisions and using professional risk underwriters can lessen the reality of exposure to financial risk.I applaud your personal actions and encourage you to be "a different kind" of financial planner.