Some duplex units are set up as zero lot line properties where instead of owning one unit in a 2-unit condo association and the condo assoc. owns the building, you actually own your half of the building and land. 

My firm does not handle this type of practice, but I often recommend starting with the state bar association and Martindale.com to find quality representation if you're starting from scratch.Note: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice.

Neither the Kenosha nor the Racine Landlord Associations are that progressive yet; they still tend to serve traditional investing. 

Contact the Virginia State Bar Association for a lawyer referral for a 30 minute consultation for $35. 

This is a fairly common practice among condo associations here, but I'm not sure how standardized the language is or if there would be an angle there.  

There are a lot of costs associated with keeping up with current permitting and code requirements associated with heavy renovations or new builds of multi-unit buildings that drive me crazy but the STC rating requirements don't really bother me because there's nothing worse than having sound transmission issues in buildings, which is why I can certainly sympathize with your situation. 

Tenants are entitled to a rent reduction so your strategy might be a raise and reduction for reduction of services but also consider if there any real estate meetups or landlord associations you might tap for local advice. 

Join local Real Estate Investors Associations (REIAs) and connect with social media groups which will expose you to potential buyers and fellow wholesalers that you can learn from, which is invaluable for your journey.

There's a cost associated with this system as we use it for much more than just pulling comps. 

The same terminology, "self directed" is also used to describe IRA accounts that are not associated with a banking/brokerage platform and that allow you to invest in nearly any asset allowed by the Tax Code for IRAs - truly "BYOD" ("Bring your own deal").