Since the duplex is new you think that there aren't going to be problems managing your duplex.No matter how new the property is, you're going to have problems with your tenants that require your time.

I will say you're going to have get pretty far from Austin to find many parks that aren't owned by sophisticated investors.

Others just want to create stable monthly income or want to build a portfolio in a more accessible market than the one they live in, but aren't interested in getting their hands dirty in the day-to-day.

Work your way up in quantity that will ultimately allow other people budgeted and paid for Property Management Company running the daily operations and you are responsible to manage the management company without having to come out of your own pocket.I have heard that it takes about 30 units before you can afford a management company as a regular expense that property will pay for. 

Don't waste your time setting up showings with people you know aren't qualified.

@Maha Ahmed If you are buying the property for cash flow then comps aren't quite as important.

And since SFH's aren't valued widely by rent roll you dont have much to worry about for valuation.

People are much more likely to tell you, "We'll think about it...we have a couple more places to look at", than they are to tell you "I have a criminal record/bad credit/eviction record/whatever and don't think we'll qualify for your rental".Of course, if your rentals are overpriced, and they are able to find comparable housing for less money, then that's another possibility as to why they aren't coming back to complete an application.

I would also make certain someone not paying their taxes is paying their utilities, because that could also add up if they aren't.

But if you aren't able to pay it back easily, and would honestly rely on the success of the second deal to pay her bank consistently.... then take the love reduce repayment and pay her back the 20k.