I will not start a company until I feel comfortable taking on the risk.

Find out what kinds of properties they're interested in, what their price range is, what kinds of rehabs they're comfortable with, and where they're looking to buy. 

We found it on the MLS and my partner/cousin is our realtor and we can both talk and people feel very comfortable with us How did you finance this deal?

I believe it improves the comfortability of the tenants who lives there.But it has to make Common Sense, Dollars Sense and Business Sense.  

Based on the numbers, you will have to pay out of pocket for some of the expenses, but if you are currently paying more in rent and you are comfortable with the location of this duplex, it may be worth considering and negotiating the price lower

Once I have more experience and see how things work I may feel comfortable not using an agent.

Gets you more comfortable going to areas where the best deals exist instead of forcing a deal in your area.

Your situation seems pretty straight forward (no rehab on settlement statement) so the delayed finance is fairly easy and I think most lenders will be comfortable with it. 

What are you comfortable spending?  

Also, it’s important to work with an agent who understands your goals and what you’re looking for so you can be most comfortable in your search.