But as an investor you are often stuck with limited inspections and need to be very clear on things like easements, wells vs. septic, flood zones, etc. to protect your investment.

But if it goes down, the cash flow of the property is what is going to protect you in the event of a downturn, so make sure that the rents from both sides are more than enough to cover the note and you'll be golden (since you wont want to live in a duplex forever). 

I think a rental cap protects property values.

He requested that federal housing agencies extend eviction protections for those tenants living in properties with federally-backed mortgages. 

A common theme is for landlords to require their tenants to purchase a Renters Insurance policy.  Some take the next step and have them prove it (good idea).  Here's the problem, an independent study was completed tha...

Unless you have significant other assets to protect, a robust umbrella insurance policy may be easier and cheaper.

I would have an attorney draft it/review it to have adequate legal protection.

Consider being the bank and doing some HML.You can get 8-12% rather easily plus points on the loan.It's also collateralized by the property so you're protected.

If there is a liability claim (tenant falls and breaks a leg) the tenant liability insurance will protect you, as well.

There is some protection with an LLC but I would consider getting to know a local lawyer that can give you some guidance on whether it’s worth putting it in an LLC vs having an umbrella insurance policy.