Ideally someone independent and well-connected. 

Hello Rigo, yes ideally the best flip for a newbie or for any investor is one that only needs cosmetic upgrades.  

Office Building (about 2k sqr ft)Ideally I'd like to rent out the duplex like a normal Duplex, then figure out how to rent out the office building (this would be very new to me).

Lots of factors at play that would prevent an investor, especially a new one like the O.P. from accomplishing this task.Market is hot right now.

I had one building I turned it into a condo and sold the storage condos to the floating homes on the Columbia river.. that was a good play. 

I think there are really two factors at play- seems to lack a lot of job opportunity and is a far commute from Charlotte.

Will probably do syndications, notes, and some cash SFRs til I have enough to start playing with the big boys and getting these favorable rates.

I haven't seen all your finances so I don't know how it'll play out, but you need to immediately call your lender before you do anything that might further make it look like you're trying to buy a house with a credit card like it's 2006.

A triplex would be ideal but i can’t find any in my price range in this market (250,000 or less).

Growing up my dad built ~75 modulars, so I was familiar with the concept and liked the plug-and-play idea.