I don't invest right in the city but I do invest south of there so if you end up looking at places there feel free to reach out if I can offer any insight.Jeremy is very correct - zip codes won't give you a good idea of price. 

Some lenders offer creative solutions, like a cross-collateralized loan, where they use your existing equity as security without refinancing the duplex.Another idea is partnering with private lenders or exploring a second-position mortgage, depending on your lender's terms.

What should I look for before making an offer on a property like this?

With seller financing, you are already on the back foot so it seems like this would be a good time to make an asking price offer if your numbers suit it.

She is offering to refinance one of her homes that is completely paid off.

Most 4/2 houses in the area are renting for approximately $2200 and offer washer, dryer, and internet (which I think the builder provided for all new houses in that community).

You should have that as a benchmark in mind, since it offers a good return without any effort.

I'm looking to not only share my experiences but also offer my services to those who might need them.

Prioritize deals that offer steady long-term returns over ones that seem too good to be true.DSCR Loans for Growth:Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans can be a game-changer for investors who want to scale.

Before diving in to offer advice, I'd like to clarify a few things with you, if I may....You mention that you are going to live in the property while you renovate.