Very creative, but solid.This also may offer the potential for you to keep your other home and rent it out as an asset, but that's between you and the investor who buys your aunts home to subsequently rent it back to you. 

This is how I see it:Single-Family Homes:Pros:Larger pool of potential tenants (families).Simpler management (one tenant, one lease).Often easier to finance.May appreciate faster in some markets.Cons:Only one income stream.Vacancy hits harder financially.Duplexes:Pros:Two potential income streams.Live in one unit and rent the other (house hacking!)

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

To succeed, focus on properties in high-demand neighborhoods like Pecan Grove or Aliana, and ensure your cash flow analysis accounts for high property taxes, potential HOA restrictions, and flood insurance costs.

Consider connecting with local REI meetups, hospitality groups, or even online forums like this one to find like-minded investors.You could also pitch your successful track record to potential equity partners.

Seems like you are only 1-2 properties away from potentially replacing your civil engineering income.

Quote from @Brian Dolbeare: I’m considering purchasing a small multifamily property in Pittsburgh that I really like, except for one potential drawback: it has 100% street parking.In my current market, lack of off-street parking would be a significant negative, especially during winter.

But I still would not let potential renters in without someone there.

You're on the right track to reach out for help here and also to look to your area for potential partnerships.