I'm going to start with reading popular real estate books but how could I put my learning in a good direction without missing an important topic?

Also, at your price point, it will be a challenge to find any duplexes around that number that are in good shape or in the most popular areas.  

@Chaz Mathias The emerging markets moniker popularized by Lindahl doesn't really apply in this stage of the real estate cycle where everything is hot. 

But only in the last little bit has appreciation caught up with minimums and the practice started to become popular. 

Quickbooks is the most popular business accounting software. 

Louis for 10 years, and I went to Wash U, so although I don't have specific advice for a realtor, if your son will be going to Wash U and if you would find it helpful to hear about the neighborhoods that are most popular with students (undergrads and grad students), I'd be very happy to chat more. 

However, didn't know if there was a popular option out there.

Moore/edmond areas are popular.

An Absentee Owner list is the most popular, but in your market they could already be getting a lot of mail from investors.Consider working with a list broker to get recommendations. 

This is what's called the BRRRR strategy here on BP which is extremely popular among investors.You have to wait a minimum of 6 months to cash out refinance at the new ARV if going with a conventional loan.There are some loopholes and ways around this restriction though which you can find here on the forums.There is also delayed financing which can be used to pull your initial cash (purchase price) back out within 6 months.