Heat pump replacement recommendations?

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Hi BP!

I recently purchased my first house hack in Port Angeles WA and am hoping for some guidance on an affordable solution to replacing a dead heat pump.

The house:

I bought a large 1930s single family home in Port Angeles, WA. I am working on dividing it into 2 seperate 2 bd/1ba units (mainfloor and daylight basement). We have been diy all the renovation stuff, and my husband has a construction background.

I'd like to be able to have each floor have control of their own temperature- both in that they'd have their own thermostats AND that one unit could kick on their heat without it blowing in the other unit, as well. Some kind of dual zone or damper-controlled situation.

The HVAC:

Has an existing non-functional ducted heat pump, which is very old and not really repairable. In getting bids, everyone recommended staying with the ducted system and using a variable style heat pump. Variety of options on how to split the heating to 2 levels. 

All the bids are eye-wateringly high.

I'm considering ignoring the professionals and looking into ductless heat pump and diy installation (whereby we'd only hire out pressurized the lines and the refrigerant).

I'd love anyones knowledgeable thoughts/guidance/experience on how to navigate this as an investor.  I want a reliable and efficient system but I need it to cost less than the 5 digit estimates we're getting.

Also, if anyone has a great HVAC recommendation for Port Angeles,  please let me know!

Appreciatively,

Danielle