While currently unrented, the duplex may serve as temporary housing for tenants from a nearby commercial property I also own, which requires repairs.

Perhaps there's a family member who can assist with your first purchase if you're still underfunded but even if that's a possibility obtain experience first.  

It is a non profit housing assistance service out of Charlotte.

If they are 40-50 years old then potentially it would be more expensive to maintain/repair them.

You delegate tasks to free yourself up, you don’t give them ownership over your key business assets.Property managers are ultimately just administrative assistants to help your business run more smoothly, you are the CEO, the one in charge and you need access to everything at all times.

I added value to the deal by initiating cosmetic repairs to make the units rent-ready while preparing for more extensive renovations.

My clients who are no longer hamstrung by daily upkeep and repairs experience a tremendous sense of relief investing passively.  

I added value to the deal by completing quick cosmetic repairs, allowing the property to be rented immediately and generate cash flow while preparing for ADU construction.

The other unit he rented to his daughter and family, they lasted 2 months and caused $5000, in damages to the brand new unit""3 years later over $150,000 of renos, he seems to keep coming to us with repairs after repairs"Sorry, but after her requested moving outlets for appliances, I would have said this isn't going to work. 

There may be government programs that can assist with tax credits or low interest loans depending on where you are, but again, they will probably require experience.Hope this helps somewhat.