Oversimplifying it just a bit, the investor profits from:- a non-refundable option paid by the tenant-buyer which gives them the right to purchase the property within their option period- the spread between the rent paid by the investor to the property owner and the rent paid to the investor by the tenant-buyer over the life of the option- the spread between the price ultimately paid by the investor when they exercise their option with the owner and the price ultimately paid by the tenant-buyer when they exercise their option with the investorClear as mud?

Adding an additional unit is generally best from an investment standpoint, but it sounds like your personal life situation indicates that duplexing down is the best option...especially if plan to live there long term.  

It will be even harder as a young person with no life experience, and particularly no experience buying real estate. 

Life and business are complicated.

As always, make sure to run the numbers carefully and factor in local property taxes and HOA fees, which can vary widely in North Texas.Delayed gratification is key in real estate investing, but with patience, the rewards can be life-changing.Best of luck with your search

This is not a person who is making good life decisions. 

Valuable and soon to be life changing profitability Lessons learned?

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

I just finished reading "Set for Life" by Scott Trench.

As others have said, it's all about your life situation.