I'm pretty confused as I thought FOR SURE this was a duplex given your estimate of $2,850 monthly cash flow.A duplex wouldn't even achieve that in this area.

So in other words you can't target motivated sellers, but you  know WHERE they will be when they become motivated.

I would suggest having a conversation first about what interests you the most, being excited about investing goes a long way, I would not just do it just to do it, what will motivate both of you?

What is my motivation to self-manage?  

I joined Bigger Pockets in the hopes to connect with like minded individuals who would like to mentor and or just overall help one another so that everyone can be confident and achieve the best possible outcome as we embark on this Journey of investing. 

You have been working so hard and are so motivated--- congrats on being so close!

Partner Driven saw the Benton St property as an opportunity to achieve a high return with minimal initial investment, focusing on its high potential in the Pleasant Hill market.

The seller has a motivation to sell to you at the highest possible  number so you do not simply take their word for the price etc. 

Do you have a nice amount saved up for the activities you enjoy(I assume yes given a 30+ year in Tech plus you mentioning making lots of money already in real estate).If that is the case, what are you looking to achieve now within real estate?

Then after that is achieved, we will begin saving for a down payment on our first house that we plan to buy in the next 2-4 years.