I applaud you for putting it out there but 1) maintenance/cap ex is far too low for a duplex 2) no PM. 3) vacancy at 1% will be challenging if achieving near market rent.

There has always been many questions as to if one needs to be licensed to engage in COMMERCIAL mortgage brokering/origination or RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT property mortgages.  

Dealcheck is FREE and it offers an app for calculators.I’m shocked that that your team hasn’t told you how much your ROI would increase and user engagement just by having an app.

I'll continue you to read on the forums I've learned so much in the little time I have engaged in the forum.

When I return to the country after my Au Pair contract ends, I hope to live in the property as my primary residence and house-hack as well.I understand that investing remotely makes things more challenging, but I am also ready to be uncomfortable and challenge myself in this journey as I know it is 100% possible.

@Jay Hinrichs @Jonathan Greene @Nicholas L.you have all helped me to really consider what type of challenge / path I want to get into, and all this information is excellent.

I am new to Bigger Pockets and looking for opportunities to engage, discuss, and work with others in the field of REI.

That shows real estate can be possible for anyone; in my opinion, I know everyone has unique and challenging situations, but in principle, anyone who can follow some basic budget fundamentals can save up enough for a down payment.Grateful BiggerPockets continues to bring more people into the industry!

Your first challenge is - you shouldn't buy based upon zip code!

However I did note that houses are mostly really old, e.g. 100 years or older... any idea if this poses challenges in things like lead paint presence, outdated wiring, rusty plumbing, etc., or have many of the homes already been updated?