This property offers spacious townhouse like setting floor plans offering one, two and three-bedrooms.

My goal is to be able to get on a facetime/zoom call with them and go over all my offers on properties. 

It sounds like the reverse mortgage company is offering a path for you to buy it - which is more than they have to do.  

I recommend dealcheck.io or DoorsIQ.com (a free version of the app previously mentioned) as a good way to run through a lot of properties to get a better a feel and they both offer resources to help build your team too

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.

That being said, lawyers aren't lenders, but they sometimes think they know everything.

Purchasing a “distressed” property and “repositioning” it requires significant capital for improvements, build outs, holding costs, maintenance.In looking for that “needle in a haystack” slam dunk great deal you’re competing with very knowledgable, greatly experienced investors with the cash to make no contingency offers and close in a few days.  

They offer better economies of scale and tend to be more manageable as you grow your portfolio.

However, I thought the franchise might offer the guidance I needed. 

Once your pre-approval is finalized, evaluate each property by inspecting it, confirming the rehab scope, and making offers based on realistic numbers.Drago