Duplexes are cheaper to rent and expenses are becoming difficult for the average tenant.  

Solar has an energy credit and Starlink is deductible as business expense. 

It might be just as expensive as your current carrier though...You need to speak to an Independent Agent that can shop the market for you.

Prime is more expensive but offers a bit more robust documents, etc.

Conversely, a new built A class SFR, in A class market of significant growth via a well laid out planned city development, great schools, area people are glamouring to move to, a-class tenants, very very low risk.

If he must attempt to get the low interest rates of 2021 on this deal, I suggest that he instead look for assumable loans.

The ages of these properties weren't built as side by sides, and when they do come up, they are supremely expensive, and catch a premium every single time.

Mostly due to the fact my spouse and I agreed on her to have zero involvment in any sort of RE investing (and its our home) I think once you have a good 6-12 months of reserve cash (operating expenses for your own life saved as a back up incase things go bad) save enough liquidity to get the ball rolling on your first invesment.

Lots of depreciation you will pay no tax maybe even shield some W2 income.B.  8k maybe 10k if you pick the right guy to lend your money to in interest income you will be paying much higher tax rate on this income FYI no depreciation expense. 

There is no stock account that gives the leverage real estate does, at as low interest rate real estate does, at as low risk/ volatility real estate does.