This allowed me to control renovation costs, streamline operations, and accelerate my investment growth.

What's the location, purchase price, expected Reno cost, ARV, etc.?  

I know that if a cost seg, l would need to back that out of my California return.Your answer seems to confirm what I suspected.

The last deal I did like this, I bought a $145K home with about $10,000 out of pocket for repairs & closing costs

And you're proposing to pay the investor a "return" of 6.30%, how did you come up with that number?

I really trusted my agent and knew several people who had invested in Reno so I took the leap after trying and failing for years to buy my own home in really high cost cities where I lived (NYC, DC, SF Bay area). 

Anyone can get 4.3% now in a 100% treasury fund (was 5% until recently), virtually risk-free.

You might find the answers to your questions there but I know that the search function is less then optimal so feel free to send me a DM if you don't easily find what you're looking for.I've never bothered commenting much about Canada because, until recently, it made no sense for US investors to invest in Canada: much less favorable mortgage conditions if they could even get one, much more expensive prices on average and much less profitable on average.

A duplex is a great way to start because that renter will help with your monthly out of pocket costs and it's a convenient way to get into real estate investing.

Spending a healthy % for a reliable company can make your life easier and lead to more growth as you free up your time.