I wanted to be able to put in some sweat equity and learn some of the skills needed in this trade.

Yes, 401(k) plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and all other kinds of retirement plans are still the backbone of your wealth accumulation, especially if they are self-directed.

When I was 22 I had to move from my home town to Las Vegas in pursuit of HVAC trade school.

I currently work in the turnkey investment world helping investors create a real estate portfolio, if you are ever interested in trading different strategies and goals, I'd love to connect! 

Long-term planning allows for steady growth, compounding returns, and the flexibility to adapt to economic and societal changes.

It’s when homeowners who locked in ultra-low mortgage rates during the pandemic hesitate to sell because moving would mean trading up to much higher rates.

Some parts of Trump 2016 tax plan.- Plan: 3 tax brackets.

Quote from @Paul Gupta: Hi, in California, For jobs requiring a license, there was CSLB (contractor state licensing board) which would give either a General Contractor license, or specialty licenses by trade (~60 specialties such as concrete, welding tile, ) https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classific...My Q: does Maryland and DC area have similar requirements? 

Connecting with local GC groups in your area will help you connect with subcontractors, find out tips and tricks of the trade in your local area (since all areas and their real estate differ slightly).Also, have you considered the motivation behind building a brand-new duplex versus finding one on the market?

My cost wont necessarily be the same or comparable as I GC my own projects and have trade skills.