I guess I may be looking for it in the wrong place or just don't know what to look for, lol, need to continue educating myself.

Also, if you have construction experience, leverage that when talking to investors.

If you ever want to connect to talk real estate let me know. 

If it’s a blanket loan they would talk to the lender ahead of time.

The net out migration continues at the rate of 200,000 per year.

Lastly, network with local investors and continue learning to refine your strategies.Good luck!

After talking to another family member they said they would be willing to go in on the duplex and offered to pay the $40,000 down payment and help with any repairs but they want to be "partners" or "own" a percentage of the duplex.

You'd hope they won't be that stupid and kill the goose that laid the golden eggs or they'll ultimately pay the price at the ballot box, like the previous Portuguese government.As is often the case, that kind of article sadly doesn't provide the necessary context to the uninformed reader - and I'm not talking about you, of course :). 

At one point I was told I could obtain funding (non-conforming was the term that was used) with 12 months of bank statements.My question is what would make me more appealing to a lender; should I continue with 1099 work or go to W2??

Continue to learn and save right now.