Connecting with local GC groups in your area will help you connect with subcontractors, find out tips and tricks of the trade in your local area (since all areas and their real estate differ slightly).Also, have you considered the motivation behind building a brand-new duplex versus finding one on the market?

Unless the designer has a good social/online footprint with designs I like, I would think twice before hiring them no matter what others say.  

Wrong Property Management ApproachIt doesn’t matter how good the people who are doing the property management are, if they are not using a property management approach designed for co-living, everyone loses.  

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I know REIGuard is easy and designed for investors.

Its not as easy but once you are up in running you are building a brand, equity in your business, and also constant flow of leads.

Hi Karin, I'm brand new to this RE world, but I’m really sorry you had to go through that, it sounds like a tough and frustrating situation.

They are designed to acquire, rehab, then get out of the loan quickly. 

Obviously, the two questions that need to be answered are 1- Is the OP designing a solution for which there is no problem?

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.