Do i have to go to an attorney or title company to finalize the deal right away or is that after the term is over and the buyer decides that they want to purchase the property and are able to get a traditional loan from a bank . any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

I'm glad u decided to share.

This is not the business where you want to make mistakes or learn from your mistakes as if you get negative publicity upfront, those reviews will be there for a long time, and a huge majority of guests read these reviews before they decide on a property.I would also consider staying at another airbnb, especially by those who have high ratings and super host, to find out how they communicate or deal with their guests. 

There are a lot of assumptions, but based on what I wrote, can anyone give me any advice on how to decide between getting the SFH or the triplex?

And that's not even thinking of the damage that bad tenant might decide to do on their way out...

Midwest is on my radar too, but I've decided on Birmingham for now for the same reasons you've listed.  

I came to Australia about 7 years ago from South America looking for a future and survival of my existence (literally), since Australia's market has become a big financial bubble quite impossible to penetrate, I decided it was best to get into USA since I loved this country when I just a child, I always have.

Save yourself the hassle and try to form a partnership (the terms and conditions can be anything you decide).

I discussed with my sister house hacking and other investment ideas and we looked at duplexes and houses with apts..My sister and her husband have decided to build a home and put an apt int the basement for our parents to live.  

If she doesn't get her certification and decides to break the lease courts could rule you rented the property under false pretenses,and decide she won't have to pay any fees for breaking it.