I live in CA by the way.1) When should I start getting the ball rolling on purchasing a duplex?

THINK ABOUT IT BROTHER...most people where drinking beer in a college confusion at your age so if you're a go getter/ not a dipshit they will respect you for it....this DOES NOT mean they will sell to you because thats a whole different ball game. 

I had a real quick question to see if I'm in the ball park.

Once the ball is rolling I want to move toward the city (30 miles north), buying, renovating and flipping beautiful Victorian homes near Lake Superior for a greater profit.

Minor- outlets, faucets, toilet floaty balls...5.

If IRS does not exercise its redemption right within the 120 days it will automatically expire.

I love where your head is @Eric GrantI wish that I would have started getting the ball rolling when I was a student.

Some agents will high ball you in hopes of getting a listing so just be weary.

If you are trying to control a property by assigning a contract to an end user buyer,My crystal ball shows a man wearing a striped suit...no, that's black and white stripes but it's not a suit.

I think this is a good exercise to start taking action as well.