We have also entertained the idea of purchasing a out of state property and paying for a PM but from what I've read, the income is only about $200 month average?

We have had some of the Big 5 unwilling to entertain refinancing inside of 90-days; others who were happy to refinance after 40-45 days; and some lenders who would re-finance at 30-days - this is assuming you financed at the time of purchase.  

I'm late coming to this thread and do not know the floor plan of your duplex, but have you entertained using a ductless split heat pump - one per unit, perhaps with two heads each if warranted by the size and layout.

But if you're having trouble building up your confidence it's best to avoid them for now and surround yourself with Big thinkers.I remember that quote in the 80's on that video show on BET (before it became Baffoon Entertainment Television):Small mind talk about people.Average minds talk about Events.Big minds talk about Ideas.Notice how everyone you know who is successful don't waste their time talking about he said/she said ........or who fought who.

If you list your 3 bedroom house for rent at $1400 and the bf only has a 1 bedroom voucher for $750, the housing authority is not going to entertain that arrangement unless you want to drop your rent quite a bit.

The way you're doing it invites risk - unless you're doing it strictly for entertainment.

He's always entertaining, and extremely informative.I am in no way affiliated with DuaneGomer.com.   

Hello, I purchased a home in Michigan and am entertaining sectioning off the lower level as it's own apartment, and renting it out to a tenant below.

I also include any notes that would make a property stand out (beach front, amenities, walking distance to restaurants/bars/entertainment), if it comes furnished (can cost $10-20k to furnish depending on your choices), any updates needed (flooring bad, furniture and style dated). i can then review the spreadsheet to see what numbers work for me depending on the property and which properties stand out. all that combined should show you what you can expect from certain markets.Just my 2 cents on how I am looking.

Not a great place to be coming from, assuming people posting on this site are lying or have no idea what's going on.Sorry but I’ve seen enough people that equate cash to mean “money laundering drug dealer” to at least entertain the thought that the guy wanted cash, and the rest was an assumption by OP.