My family's living expenses currently with housing are about 25K/year (we live frugally) which Is why I really want to pursue a buy and hold duplex that we can live in at least for a while to reduce that amount.

You're probably not going to have any luck with reducing property taxes.

My question is, how can I reduce the space the utilities take up, in particular the HVAC?

Reducing my living expenses through house hacking seems like the best way to save money and slowly build wealth.I have been looking on the MLS through realtors but not having much luck. 

A hard inquiry can reduce your score by by 2 points. 

I am told the pre tax profit for a flip will be taxed at your personal income bracket which could reduce the total profit by another 20-24%.When I run the numbers and try to compare it with a rental calculator to see whether renting and holding for 4-5 years makes more sense I get confused.

ClintonI would hang onto as much of your credit as possibleI see your pointbutbig payouts means big riskyou can reduce the amount of earnest money just askyou can short term bridge loan but remember there is fees to considercrunch the numbers add 20% and do the deal if it makes senseenjoy

Option money of 6%, 3% down, 3% divided by 24-36 months added to regular (not reduced) rent. 

However, I am hesitant to do this flip cross country solo without an amazing foreman or GC.I was thinking of partnering with a GC in Tampa that can handle the construction side and reduce costs on that front while I can find the deal, run numbers, offer 1/2 the deposit for a hard money loan, and list the property to save 3% on closing costs.Ideally this would be 1-2 flips per month after the first successful project.What do you think of this proposal?

Maybe call them (or better yet, go to a board meeting) and ask them if they will consider reducing the fines if you appease their demands.