A manager will roughly cost $100-$150 a month to take over a unit (it could be more or less in your market) and manage the units.

Depending on your finances you don't necessarily need to start with a duplex, but I wouldn't go any more than 4 unit if you're going residential.

The unit consists of two beds, one office and one bathroom.

Quote from @Holly Radice: I am looking into purchasing a 4 unit in Ohio as my first property.

Even if it's a new build, with 4 units, you're going to have lots of repairs.

If you plan to buy in your hometown, buy a 2-4 unit, and live in one of the units.

Lol, I'm  not sure i was very helpful, more anecdotal lol.I learned to estimate from other contractors many years ago.I found labor unit books from college bookstores.

For example how many units in your comparable are classic vs Platinum. 

Living in one unit and renting out the others allows you to deduct 75% of expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and shared repairs as rental expenses, while the remaining 25% applies to personal use.

How many units do they require to auction off contents?