My current challenge is that I bought half the duplex and the other half is owned by another owner.

If you are syndicating a deal, PPU is not as important because you will own very little equity in the deal and looking to create equity to exit.Be careful with older assets, and over paying.

With the Raleigh area being such a hot market in recent years, I'm looking to find new or experienced investors or other agents to network with, discuss the latest news about the area, and establish some solid relationships with.

House hacking was owning with roommates.  

The best way to find these off-market deals is by connecting with agents and wholesalers who find these deals.. or to start marketing yourself if you have the time and recourses to do so. 

Where to find these agents?? 

Yes solely my own income.

I am re-running numbers to see how badly I did on this first one haha, but thankfully been able to cover the expenses with my own cash.

In Florida, can a newly licensed RE agent (not a Realtor and not yet working for a broker)  join  MLS independently  or do they have to join a local board or  the NAR first?

Richard,Your Condo Association by-laws and declaration will give you info on who owns what parts of the building and therefor who is responsible for the repairs.