You do not have to live in the home in order to do that!

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

Where you live in relation to the investment property shouldn't matter.

If they're evaluating other properties and you have a good social presence that gives them peace of mind and a good sense that they'll have a nice living experience, that could be the tipping point if they're considering a similar property. 

It will be remote, but since you live there now, you probably already have connections who either already know the house or local friends to find you good people to service things as needed.  

Hopefully you guys can help answer this for me......I live in West Virginia and primarily invest outside the state. 

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The company I currently use for my other investment homes said they don't offer management for any co living... unless everyone in the home is on one lease.

If a single level you might consider 55+ independent living.

When you live in that duplex for 2 years and then sell you'll be able to take 50% of the profit tax free (the allocation for the side you lived in).