I have a few follow up questions:1) What's an example of "get referrals and cross reference them to get as much accurate information as possible"? 

The transfer of bookings is possible because we're going with the same co-hosting/PM.  

That’s great advice Taz, I’m currently working on saving enough money to get started, house hacking is hard for me at the moment because I just bought a house 2 years ago, I would have to sell my house(which is in a great neighborhood great location) and use that money to fund the duplex which isn’t totally out of the question, I would like to keep the house if possible but also would like to get real estate investing more.

Personally, I'm a big fan of house hacking and usually recommend that as the way to get started if possible.

For me, it started with Think and Grow Rich too—it shifted my whole perspective on what’s possible.

@Chantelle LewisRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Starting with your wife and possibly your kids depending on age (for example, they can help clean between tenants, this starts  their education [Check with your accountant because you may be able to pay your kids and take a deduction].- - While you will do the lion share, can you take advantage of your wife's talents and availability?

In those days it was possible to locate and tie up a “killer” deal, and close the transaction with absolutely zero of the investors own money.

For investors who lack knowledge and/or time, want to own physical real estate as part of their portfolio, and want to be as passive as possible on the real estate side of the investment, we've created a great route.  

Another possibility is a cash-out refinance on your dad’s house if it qualifies, which would tie the loan directly to that property.