You'll also continue to be building your brand, your network, your experience, etc.

Even trusting a brand new GC who's licensed/"qualified" is a risk from out of state, let alone out of country.

Just the different brand name lowers the cost dramatically!

His advice would mirror mine - to start your company, build your brand, add value to the forums here on BP if you're going to post, create the marketing for your idea, and then work your backside off to make it work. 

I bought a brand new in the box $285 microwave off Facebook marketplace today for $35.  

Iintoo seems to be branding themselves well as someone who is knowledgeable and will only vet deals that are on point to succeed. 

So you are now advising even a brand new real estate investor to go ahead and do a deal all by themselves because the seller happens to be unrepresented?

Connecting with local GC groups in your area will help you connect with subcontractors, find out tips and tricks of the trade in your local area (since all areas and their real estate differ slightly).Also, have you considered the motivation behind building a brand-new duplex versus finding one on the market?

I've found that almost any brand of toilet out there now works fine.

Its not as easy but once you are up in running you are building a brand, equity in your business, and also constant flow of leads.