4) Does Brian tell us which companies he uses for management and virtual front office and cleaning, etc?

For one of my first deals, im dealing with "subject to" acquisition, holding in a land trust, trying anything and everything i know to find funding for the rehab, cleaning up after straight hoarder tenants, out of state owner, etc.

With s/t rentals, the work may not be too extensive up front, but it is a very demanding business as you either do all the work yourself: filling out the units, cleaning, maintenance, etc. or hire a team to do it all for you, which will of course leave a lower bottom line for you, but it is the only way to scale. 

She moved, because the damage was just to daunting for her to remedy, it took me a good two months to deal with the full renovation kitchen and bathroom, and of course several attempts at refinishing the floors and getting the cat urine and roach feces smell out.Be safe, be healthy, be clean!

Kept renting out rooms, lived in the basement and keep the place clean and updated What was the outcome?

So far this has lead to respectable tenants who pay on time, keep the property clean, let me know of potential problems and actually get along with each other.

However, I'm not sure if I can withhold for the intensive cleaning needed because of the smoke/dog smell, broken window, carpet/sub floor cleaning, and backyard rubbish.

I think my only option is to wait until the tenants leave, have it cleaned and then show it. 

If you're looking for the turn-key deal, talking to a local pro about the living condition elements you find most important will allow them to have a better shot of matching you to a clean and ready duplex for sale.

I hope the other property owners are willing to work with you in cleaning up the neighborhood.