EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

thanks for the guidance @Kaushik Sarkar Since it's development it will take longer to get to the exit. 3 years could be right depending on the market, if the project requires entitlements, how long it takes for permits, no major utility obstacles, etc.

How much profit you make depends largely on your targeted clientele and your property management. 

I would still need to subscribe to a streaming service for cable tv, so cost savings wouldnt be much (or a wash), but otherwise it seems like it might be a viable alternative?

I think it would, depending on the celebrity of course. 

My cost they said i could do $2,000 up front and then next couple months more payments with cold calling they offer and fee would be $9,800 plus the cold callers Virtual assisant that would be working with me.

The cost would be about 500k about $250k cheaper than it would be to buy another duplex property in my area.

The city already had a STR permit in place.Our permit will cost us about $500 per year.

There would potentially be some weight issues with the 2nd+ floors of some shopping malls, depending on what the potential tenant wants to store in the upstairs unit. 

All of this depends on your market having demand, of course.