Just Housing Amendment went into effect on January 1, 2020 with a delayed enforcement until February 1, 2020. 

However I will throw out that doing new construction is likely to minimize your profit making opportunity.

I’m looking for a duplex that needs some cosmetic repairs that I could mostly do myself or with minimal help.

Something is definitely wrong here. 10-year ownership -> gutted/incomplete work -> wants to sell off-market (possibly to save broker fees & minimize losses?)

An agent replied saying that they would triple the coverage to $1 million and it would be a minimal increase in price.

I would write a stern letter letting him know that state imposed eviction delays do not excuse or forgive any rent.

My husband is a journeyman carpenter and could build the house himself with minimal help (plumber, electrician.)

He gets more than a cash offer, can delay big tax bill, gets decent interest, you get to avoid expensive hard money, have more cash in your pocket to complete rehab, and have plenty of time to turn the place over and get it refinanced before you need to cash him out

I am trying to create a deal workflow process to help minimize getting caught with unexpected timeline or costing issues. 

Most of my properties had existing planting beds, that I would do very minimal maintenance too, but I also allowed my tenants to plant things, at their own expense and maintenance if they wanted.