Could you sell the duplex instead if you’re worried about debt or falling prices?

Fearful that they can't service their debt, or fearful of a maturity default, or that their fund cycle is timing out and they need to return investor capital--whatever the reason. 

Are there any organizations that help pay closing costs without creating more debt or increasing DTI?

Per the article above "A debtor (resident or applicant) can sue for a violation of the FCRA, as can the Justice Department.

I must keep in mind I need to pay down my own debt or at least that’s my belief.

Working through the best way to tackle the debt, or roll it into better debt, do you have a dog in the fight as to a most strategic path forward?

If the seller has debt or a mortgage on the property then you'll want to confirm the amount and the status. 

Since they are under court order, they are actually not allowed to get into more debt, or open new loan.Which in turn, they are on a fix payment plan with no chance of getting into higher debt. 

You would still be able to do a rate-term refinance after the rehab is completed which would cover your hard money debt or you may even be able to get cash out of the property on top of paying off your existing loan balance, depending on your lenders seasoning requirements. 

Generally a ch 13 surrender means the debtor has no intention of keeping the home and they will let it be foreclosed on.