I currently have ZERO real estate experience (Sales Engineer for my day job), but have been toying with the idea of eliminating my $900+/mo apartment rent expense and purchasing a duplex to live in half and rent out the other half.After some quick research this seems like no-brainer and I am almost ashamed that I didn't think of this sooner.

Carefully and thoughtfully set your goals and  lock on them like a laser

I've also been toying with the idea of taking a large-ish personal loan to pay for the holding costs for whatever option we choose.

The reason why an eviction attorney is so great is because of their laser focus and expertise in the subject.  

(we do not pitch those, we usually have one of the contractors put it at their home on the shelf, LOL)Evictions this time of year are great because you get half of their kids unopened Christmas toys!

I recommend, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, by Roger Wisher.

My wife and I have recently been toying with the idea of moving to Franklin, TN and are hoping to visit the area in the next few months.

If both offers get accepted, then you will be the envy of everyone else in the Bay Area.I'd lean towards the one that is vacant, if for some reason there was a space alien holding a laser to my head and ordering me to only write one offer.

@Shannon Toye  I have a small 26 unit storage facility in Hershey PA.  

At the end of the day (aka, your final resale), if your profits are satisfactory to Y O U then ignore everyone else and dam*  the torpedo's, full speed ahead!