I’m 18 and currently living at home with low expenses.My dilemma: Should I buy a duplex as a house hack and cover the negative cash flow to start building equity?

Set aside a big pile of cash or rely on a line of credit you won't be using.The oversimplified insurance concept is to pay a small premium to cover a large loss.

Compare apples to apples(SQ FT, bed/bath, layout, etc). 

I think @Paul Sandhu captured the list of skills you need to find, and that you can probably find someone with "3M Talent" (or at least "2M Talent" to cover several areas.)

in cash flow would cut it for me. i'd want enough to cover the mtg, but also R&M and a little for vacancy. if i can't do that plus have a little actual "cash flow" left over.... i'm still here :) if that's any indication. 

Loss of use is foryour additional expenses if you can not live there due to a covered claim (ie.

This sounds risky, are you being compensated by additional rent and have you checked with your insurance to ensure you are covered. 

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

As for non-bank loans, I'm familiar with a loan program that provides 100% financing, but it requires a minimum 650 credit score and proof of funds covering 12 months of interest.

It's a 4 bed, 2 bath in Anna, TX, north of Dallas.