There's a lot to learn and a lot of different ways to learn it.

This list would contain the zip code and corresponding name of the municipality, and a breakdown of the number of SFRs.

They get money and a chance to help someone out.

One of the ways is to get a deposit with the lease agreement, and a document signed that says if the tenant doesn't perform, that deposit is your liquidated damages.

I will have access to internet and a cellphone on hand.

Hi Lisa,We rented out a room for two and a half years when we bought our first home, never had a problem.  

Then I notice a dumpster in the driveway and a brand new roof on the house.

These aren't necessarily agents associated with that property, but you can see on that page how many recent transactions they've had and a customer rating, and click through to their agent biography. 

If you currently have a forced air furnace in the duplex, an a/c unit may not be too expensive, and probably won't require any additional duct work, assuming the furnace is relatively new and a compatible a/c unit is available. 

I've seen it take as long as 6 months and as little as 2 weeks.