This shouldn’t be too much of a time commitment and will get you more comfortable with your market(s) of choice.

They should stand by their product and be comfortable with any professional analysis because they know they've done good work.Check out BP for reviews, reach out to other investors.

It was a small lot but we managed to design a nice little duplex to maxmize the return.

Thankfully with our studies in architecture we were able to figure out a way to design a small duplex and maximize the potential of this property.

The more you listen, the more you engage in conversations in this industry (networking)...the more comfortable you will be moving forward on something with the opportunity presents itself.

If not and you're just playing with terms, my "hunch" is to agree with @Scott Jensen ... if you're very comfortable to put $15,000 into making this happen ($10k cash you need to bring to the table plus $5k closing costs) without sacrificing reserves etc, then perhaps just pay the $15k on the smaller loan. 

@Matt Dickens,Would you be comfortable working with your tax accountant remotely?

Thus far we have demo'd the property, and we are waiting on the architect and engineer report to decide final design.

I am able to afford the mortgage comfortably for a couple of months before I start my job.

This is the thing can someone please recommend a good real state agent in the area of Paterson NJ.But I need a someone than feel comfortable working with first time investors.