Just do a little research till you are confident that the duplex will make money if you moved out.I would do this even if you live in your own home now.  

Know your numbers, get to know your seller, try not to let emotion affect your negotiation, and go in with confidence.

Your best bet would probably be finding a GC in/around Memphis who would travel to Helena.

For me, what happened before the deal is I got a great education, I met my wife, I got a good job, I let them pay mostly for grad school, I gained the confidence I needed to take a risk.

Most towns, I believe, have protocol for that situation, too--go down to your local planning office and ask about thatI think some time spent down at your local planning office with a well thought-out list of questions will help give you the answers you need to make a decision with confidence.  

If they don't, then it may be time to confided a new realtor.

Word of mouth definitely does travel so you'll find a good one as long as you ask people you know who just recently had work done to their house and if the pictures of there work looks good to your standard because bad work is unacceptable. 

Of course, I also think of the good what ifs...like what if it works and I can reduce the hours I work or travel more!

I travel here for work often and love the city.Cons- Across the country, high tax rates, I have very little knowledge of this area.

I am confident you can find comps high enough to justify your price.