I would appreciate any input as I would like to learn as much as I can and eliminate as many mistakes as possible for a newbie.

I'm going to redo the deduction summary ... reducing or eliminating some of the items that could be wear/tear (closet bars/doors, etc).

That said, I am tempted to experiment what it's like actually living in another area, either to eliminate or to reinforce my preference for the east.

Everything that doesn't meet that criteria is eliminated.

Hi everyone, I will soon be moving to a duplex to 90% eliminate my monthly bills.

You can use a custodial account or if you wish to have more control special purpose LLC can be utilized to gain checkbook control and minimize custodian fees and eliminate their involvement in the investment. 

Our solution, which eliminated many of the stupid trips, is to personally plan 4-5 days to go down each year or so, inspect each property, and fix all the little stuff we can find.  

If you have a secured 24/7 drop box somewhere that will eliminate the "lost in the mail" excuse.

Would you list it at below market in hopes that a tenant will stay long term to eliminate vacancies? 

That will eliminate any costs savings you might expect from reduced electric bills.The 9RLS system has a serious temperature control issue, as well.