Newbie looking to buy first property

[Brendan Famoly]

Hi BP community, I am new to the real estate investing world. Currently in the research stage and looking to buy my first property this year. I’d like to get myself into a duplex here in central NY and house hack for a year. My question is on how to buy. I have a personal money lender that would like to help me, however I’m not sure if I should go that rout and refi after to get a better deal or if I should just finance my first property. Any feedback would be much appreciated!