I see all of these ads for hard money lending but I don't want to apply for anything and take a hit on my credit score which I have been dutifully rebuilding after a divorce a few years back.  

Indiana gives a tax CREDIT of up to 20% of the first $5000 invested each year.  

This is for a 3 family.I understand you have to a pressurize contraption to you main line for it to work properly.Any comments or tips appreciated.

I do have credit but for the last 3-4 years I have always paid cash and used a debit card.  

My credit is full with our house and school loans, and my husband just started to get credit a few months ago.

He put the down payment on credit cards and closed in May 2016.

I asked for references which he DID say they would send me but not after sending them my credit reports and getting approved first for their lending.

So as most people, I started buying property the tradition bank/ conventional way, with personal credit and guarantee. 

One tip I've picked up in regards to this is that I could buy a duplex and live in one half, while renting out the other.

Most likely a smaller regional bank or a credit union.