I don't remember the take on FI or REI, but it really covered the basics.

I considered taking a HELOC on my primary for the 40K or so needed, but found a Private Lender (remember to tell EVERYONE what you are doing, you never know where you will find what you need!)

I thought trulia mapped out the actual crimes (burglary, assault, shoplifting, etc) in an area but it looks like interface changed and I can't remember how I looked at that before. 

It makes not sense to me and would require a layout of the duplex that must less than ideal.

There are good reasons to have a local agent working for you though, they might bring you deals you missed or where otherwise unaware of they also ideally can function to double check everything to make sure everything is handled correctly and finally the very best agents also have great relationships with vendors and can help you through the whole process. 

@Mel Hayes and @Patrick Soukup,I just remembered that my friend Joe Kirkland, a closing attorney with CloseTrak in Memphis, wrote the following article early last year about appealing property taxes in Shelby Co. 

Remember you have to spend xmas with these people...!

The math is important, but you also have to remember that most of it is grade-school level math.

Remember that you will need to repay that loan within five years, using 'substantially equal' payments, at least quarterly.

Also remember that if you are willing to live in this next multi-family ( and it id a 4-plex or less) than you only need as low as 3% down to get it.