You can get solid cash-flowing single families in the 90-120k price range and duplexes in the 130-180k price range.

So, for a small duplex, what price range are you targeting and how much (light, medium, or heavy) rehab would be acceptable?

That is enough albeit only a cheaper property and, while I don't know Florida that well, I doubt there are many in that price range. 

Grace, it’s clear you’re serious about financial freedom, and I respect that you’re thinking through the best path forward.

Even so, we might not qualify for a house/cottage in the 200k-300k range. 

House hacking a duplex would be my ideal situation, but I find it challenging to find anything available in the DFW area in my price range.

See the map below for where these zip codes are located.Note: The following charts only include properties in the above zip codes that generally match our property profile: single-family homes featuring 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 2-3 car garages, 1,100 to 2,400 square feet of living space, 1 or 2 stories, and lot sizes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet, built on or after 1985.Appreciation10-Year $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2024-12-31From the above charts, these zip codes appear to appreciate the fastest among our target areas (based on annualized growth rate)89032 (North Las Vegas), 11.0%89015 (Henderson), 10.4%89143 (Centennial Hills), 9.9%89031 (North Las Vegas), 9.8%89138 (Summerlin), 9.4%89141 (Blue Diamond, Southern Highlands), 9.4%89128 (Summerlin), 9.3%89123 (Silverado Ranch), 9.1%89129 (Northwest), 9.1%5-Year Pre-COVID $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2020-03-01The COVID market frenzy and the subsequent dramatic rate hikes significantly distorted price and rent trends.

Removing all skills from the equation, if you don't take a break from participating as a real estate investor in some way each day, you will stay far ahead of everyone else who keeps subbing themselves out and then asking to get back in when the game is already out of reach.I respectfully and emphatically disagree.

IME with due respect to architects they are not generally necessary for simple remodels.

@Fulati PaerhatiYou can find deals across the Midwest in that price range.