But I’d say the key to success is building a reliable team on the ground.

I've done the one on one thing for a while now but for a lot of reasons (timing, paperwork, reliability, etc.), it's not ideal.

Through this journey, I’ve built strong relationships and developed valuable expertise in:Researching micromarkets and identifying comparables, potencial Accurately estimating construction or remodeling costs.Securing fast and reliable financing through partnerships with two top hard money lenders in Texas, offering competitive rates.I’m on this platform to connect with capital partners who are seeking an annual ROI of 12%-15%.

Seems like I could possibly get a duplex with that kind of down payment. 

If you do have enough other income then you dont even need to lease out this property to start your refinance.However if you dont have enough income to qualify with no rental income offset then yes you will need to obtain your lease(s) and security deposit + 1st months rents deposited before you can utilize 75% of this gross income - your monthly PITIA payment (in terms of qualification on this property refinance.So all in all Id make sure what your current debt to income position is first of all (DTI) and then strategize to see if you even need the leases at all.

He collects cash down payment and finances the rest.

Can I find 15% down payment options do you think? 

If you're willing and able, I do recommend the "house hacking" strategy which is just a fancy name for buying a rental property and living in one of the units, because you'll get very favorable financing - an owner-occupied fixed-rate 30-year mortgage.I'd also say, analyze that property as if you won't live there and it's a pure rental, and make sure the property is still cash flow positive if there's a tenant in your unit because then you'll know if it's actually a good investment.And when you analyze it, include payment of a property manager in your #s because if you don't, and doing so would make it go cash flow negative, then you've just bought yourself a job because you literally can't step away from managing it without losing money.

It might make the most sense to just sell your primary residence and use it as 40% to 50% down payment on your future home. 

They are more useful IMO for getting chunks of equity right off the bat thru value add and then either realizing that equity by flipping it and using for a down payment on something bigger or hold a couple years and then sell at that point to do that then.