We recently purchased a duplex and tenant in unit 1 is good about keeping me in the loop about what is going on.

I took out a HELOC, used that to rehab 2 duplexes that were purchased in cash, also another turnkey duplex that I purchased in cash.

To summarize a response to your questions(1) Would only pay off student debt if interest rates are >7.5%... else would save money for investment purposes(2) First investment.. duplex or triplex would get you the most income (paying most if not all of your PITI payments). 

As I look for deals I find my interests scattered anywhere from Duplexes to medium sized apartment buildings.

and have decided that buy and hold is the way I want to go. initially i planned to get a normal FHA loan to get a duplex, but these do not allow for renovations to add equity.

You agent should be able to advise you in this situation.I think you should buy a duplex in Skagit with owner occupied financing, live in one side and rent the other, and later rent both sides.

Hi Micheal, I was looking to invest in Fourplexes, Triplex's or Duplexes.

I’ve found my passion and now I’m going to run through every wall until I’m able to be financially free!!

I am finding duplexes and single family homes for under $60,000 that I believe would provide a 20%+ cash on cash return and a couple hundred bucks minimum cash flow each month. 

I would use that money to invest somewhere most likely a couple single family or a duplex.