They also each get a roll of toilet paper and are expected to self re-stock.

Is there any way to use the equity in my current property to put towards the new property, or am i basically stuck selling the duplex and rolling it into the larger 6 unit rental?

On a SFH home you can ask but you would be lucky to get a lease or rent rolls.

So if the customer needs financing we can provide that , but rates are as high as hard money .Money is the fuel that keeps the machine moving , just like gas keeps my truck rolling . 

You sound like you're on the Norada  pay roll.

If you have rental(s) or plan to get one and want to decide between long/mid and short-term rental strategies taxes do play a roll if you have high W2 income you want to try and reduce you tax burden. 

We are looking into houses on the lower end of the scale at first to get started for a "low risk" (we could pay mortgage out of pocket no problem even if property is vacant for 30 years) house that will give us the experience we need as rental home landlords - and I am looking down the road at potential investment ideas to keep this thing rolling.

What I typically see investors do to get rolling is use a Heloc or cashout refi on an existing property to get the startup capital they need.

.- You close on December 10th- The property is in great shape and does not need any significant repairs- It only needs some paint touch-up and changing a couple of broken fixtures, which you do yourself- You spend the next week buying furniture, electronics and supplies and installing/arranging everything yourself- You also roll up your sleeves and scrub the toilets and sinks and appliances- You put it on AirBnB/VRBO and have your first guest renting it for the 3 days of Christmas- You second guest rents it for the following weekend and leaves before NYE- You personally clean and restock the place between these two guestsCongrats!

I need someone to take a look at what I have, where I am, and what I need to do to get this stationary ball rolling again.Ultimately, I'd love to have an investor who can mentor me, I can learn from, and guide me in my journey since I seem to need help keeping momentum going.