Recently acquired duplex for $29k req some rehab-need advice

[Jordan Thompson]

Good afternoon and happy NEW YEAR,

Recently purchased a Brick duplex (3bd,1.5ba & 2bd, 1ba) for $29k  approx one hour north of Indianapolis, Indiana and I am very satisfied with the deal. My experience entails of minor home repairs and assistant to my father growing up installing cabinets, hardwood floors, and tile jobs.  I am currently in aircraft maintenance and am fairly handy when it comes to repairs and troubleshooting problems.  This is our second property, our first was a turnkey triplex.  So below is the questions I have.

1. The duplex currently has baseboard heat. I would like to retrofit a high-velocity A/C & Heating system.  Whats the cost for creating two separate systems to keep the utilities separate? or Is it not cost effective to swap this out?

2. I already purchased Jay Scotts-estimating rehab costs and I am very happy with my purchase.  However, the duplex is in my home town and I am currently Active Duty Military overseas so I will be outsourcing the work.  My idea is to create simple contracts for jobs (i.e Contract for: CONTRACTOR Address:### Street,City, State Task:TASK Description Cost:$XXX.XX) for each task to get exactly what I expect.  Is this a smart decision?

3. I am in search of a mentor to have one on one communication with who is familiar with the Midwest market. 

Thank you for your time and Happy Holidays,

Jordan

My intent is to Buy and Hold.

[Steven J.]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Leave the baseboard for now unless the expense of heating is immensely too much. Shouldn't you be able to have the tenants pay heat and electric or are they not on separate meters? If not, I'd suggest doing that instead of upgrading the heating system.