Hi Sean from Long Island, New York-You are 18 and wonder if you should buy a duplex on Long Island which is an expensive area and likely would negative cashflow for you if you lived in one side--at least at first.You currently are still living at home and wonder if you should leverage your low cost of living to invest in a more affordable market.Obviously, the choice is a personal one, but if you could continue to keep your cost of living low living at home you could buy a cash flowing property in several markets in Michigan or similar areas and the equity would build up quickly.Then, you could use the equity to buy the next rental until you were ready to buy a house on Long Island or your priorities may change and you may decide to live somewhere else or work or school takes you other places.To Your Success!

Start with maintenance notes that you may regularly reference, such as air filter size, water shut-off location, etc.

This will allow you give a reference point on how much potential rent you can receive.

Any references for contractors that will take on building a 300 sq foot studio?

If you have your business incorporated or at least a DBA Versium I've been told Versium is a solid choice for skiptracing. 

Many of the Canadian clients I work with gravitate towards North Carolina, Texas, with Florida and Arizona being their top choices so I'd looking into those states a bit more which it seems you've already started to do. 

We are using it for quicker reference on all state laws regarding foreclosures and evictionsAlso using it to scan notes and other due diligence packages we have.

I'd rather purchase a vacant rental if I had my choice.

Market selection is tough because there are so many choices.

Quote from @Trent Reeve: i would think they would have more amenities than a non-condo.I think the reference was how do you stand out from one condo to another when they are all identical, vs how do you compete with single family homes.