Hey all looking for some advice, I am looking to buy a duplex that is currently 2 bed 1 bath on each side and one side has the sewer line above ground which is weird.

If you are trying to wholesale, the mls is not your hunting ground. 

The laws,  including the recently passed washington 'just cause' rules do allow for giving a tenant notice to vacate if you are going to owner occupy,  or for substantial rehabilitation  (meaning necessary work will make home uninhabitable, and typically also means permits must be pulled for some aspect of the work;   paint and carpets doesn't count)   But keep in mind COVID moratorium rules and still in effect  though  (in theory) they are phasing out.    

Also known on the inside by all the commercial brokers who are just waiting to unload marginal properties on new guys and of no interest to major players.Also you will get killed if you try to do any of this remote.In my case I am delighted with my duplex portfolio and and now gearing up my "handy" lawn guy to be legs on the ground as I think of my next move - which will be to blow past the small marginals MF's into something boutique, but bigger ... very hard to do.Good luck.

I'm anxious to get beyond the discovery phase and get some skin in the game with my first deal. 

Yes make sure you have a good team on the ground because you will need that.

That local on the ground knowlege is what can find a good deal or screen for a bad one. 

We are currently in the education/learning phase!

It's always better to have trusted "feet on the ground". 

I am at ground zero, but want to know the best way to set up/build with the best foundation possible to take advantage of any tax incentives possible.