If it's cheap, high crime area, proceed with caution. 

As the market evolves we've intensified our commitment to helping investors focus only on listings that are eligible for vacation rental usages and either; have exceptional existing production or high potential for rental performance.

Until 2018, when it was closed due to low revenue and high maintenance costs 2.

Just be aware it's highly unlikely the hourly rate will be negotiable.

My main concern is the interest rates being so high now as to whether what I'm hoping to achieve is really even possible. 

With respect to AJ, he is a good friend of mine and I highly recommend him too.

I'd highly recommend attending some local reia meetings.

I think you can go as high as 15% but it's cutting into your margins and depends if you are a GC yourself or not. 150k is close to a million or more.

If you have a credit card with a high limit or a line of credit on the existing duplex that might give you some wiggle room.

Much better as a short term acquisition strategy for flips IMO but always a high-risk strategy that should not be practiced by anyone who doesn't have the liquid capital to pay off the loan if needed.