Indeed be a smart move however, it's important to consider the opportunity cost as well.

The tax code is not a secret and there are many, many smart people out there who can, will and do interpret in your favor every day.  

With smart planning, ongoing learning, and smart choices, you can create a strong portfolio that meets your money goals and gives you income for later.Good luck!

Welcome to BP - think you are definitely starting in the right place - house hack duplex to start the real estate investing journey should be a solid bet - don't need a huge amount of capital either if you buy smart

The smart ones will defer to the builder when it comes to structural issues.

Armed with that knowledge, owners try to get their contractor to reduce the price of the job they want done.If you think it through, it's not a smart move.

Those that jumped in like @Steve Vaughan head first being smart with expenses it can be done and what fun. 7 to 10 quality doors should do it.

Fortunately, the OP is smart or lucky that their property still works as an mtr or ltr. 

Is this smart doing this?

And I consider myself a fairly smart person but just trying to run in several directions at once and not going anywhere.