No one ever talk about using those same techniques to buy homes for themselves.

However, the home inspector found mold in the attic and it doesn't appear to be "active" mold as it looks like it was resolved a few years prior when they repaired the roof.

Look him up on Google and consider his Creative Financing Techniques course for starters.

Fannie/Freddie commonly do some fix up to their reo’s.....from preservation type repairs, new roof, to complete rehabs.

The house is move in ready after some repairs a family member, who currently resides near Stow has been able to contract out.  

Since I did not have scale, I did all of the property management myself (advertising vacant units, showing property to prospective tenants, minor maintenance, finding and overseeing contractors for major repairs). 

Your payment will simply be too high and your rent will not cover your mortgage payment (PI, AKA debt service) and all of your expenses (vacancy, PM, taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and an allotment for CapEx). 

What shape is the house in and how much do you estimate it will cost to repair?

Should I tap into my IRA and take the 10k I have penalty free to use it to repair the roof .OR2.

The duplex that you say needs $12k in repairs to get it rent ready - do you already own the duplex, or is this something you are thinking about buying?