I think the desirability of duplexes, either as investments or from a renter's perspective, is something that is pretty location-specific.  

Here is what Quads and Triplexes are available right now from a number perspective in the areas you have specified.  

I've got a lot more learning to do, but just would like to go ahead and get a reasonable perspective on it all.

I'm jumping back in... starting off fresh... trying to work this as a business and not a hobby... can't wait to see what your up to... maybe I will see you at a local REI meeting OR on March 7th with the BP local network event... take a surf I can't remember his name but it's on March 7th in Dublin I think...

Many degrees are just about useless from a job perspective.  

As for your agent friend, she may be correct from her perspective but I would ask what she has done to work with cash buyers. 

My perspective is that the gurus sell training/coaching as their primary business. 

I've seen houses sit for 6+ months that were fresh flips new everything top notch appliances good design... just awful labor...  

They have gladly provided me their perspective of market value and some comps. 

They offer many different perspectives on many different niches of REI.