Relatively simple, not terribly expensive.

i'm in Pittsburgh and can go on Zillow and find supposedly 'affordable' properties all day... that would all make terrible investments. 

You can do it yourself; the process isn't terribly complicated and doesn't require much technical skill, but it is a lot of physical labor, and you'll probably want to get friends to help.

Are these possibly good (or not-terrible) investments for STR, considering my dual-use?

I believe his advice on real estate investing is absolutely terrible.1.

Sometimes they are hard to just walk away from and trying to sell them is really tough.From just the info presented, it seems to be a terrible investment but maybe some information is missing.Good luck

                      - Duplex- pro's- renter's rent money will pay for half of mortgage, after that is paid off, move to a house, have passive income x2, most living space. con's- biggest down payment, outside the city, risk of terrible renter, locking us down for at least 7-10+ years to at least make it worth it.Overall, I hate wasting money. 

Doesn't look terrible for one of the more attractive neighborhoods in LA?

Honestly, I don't think it is worth using one of those companies unless the house is really in terrible condition and has issues with title, major city liens, is a part of a lawsuit, etc.

- Duplex- pro's- renter's rent money will pay for half of mortgage, after that is paid off, move to a house, have passive income x2, most living space. con's- biggest down payment, outside the city, risk of terrible renter, locking us down for at least 7-10+ years to at least make it worth it.Overall, I hate wasting money.