Long story short, if you can and are willing to hold 7-10 years it's fine otherwise buy the next asset class (townhouse or a semi).

Granted I did more cooking than swinging a hammer. 8 Hours is a long day but you'll be working with pros in the construction industry, check their work and see how knowledgeable they are.

Safe estimate in Cook County (Chicago), 4 months assuming the tenant doesn't have an attorney and its summer.

@AP Horvath cap rate is going to have quite a degree of variance depending on multiple factors, 3 primary variables being:Asset class type (A, B, C, D)Property condition (turnkey vs value add)Location (especially with property taxes here)Again, it varies on the factors above and if you are calculating your cap rate via purchase price model or projected price model.  

For context I started by buying single family homes and ultimately moved into multifamily syndication.1) It doesn’t have to be either or since you can diversify many types of risk (asset class, management company, geography, etc.) by being diversified 2) Crowdfunding is simply the capital raising part of a syndication outsourced to a third party who market it online for a fee.

From my experience (I took it online) taking the course online offers tremendous time flexibility if that’s what you’re looking for but from what I’ve heard taking the classes in person can offer some great networking opportunities with like minded individuals.

Finding duplexes or any other multis in A or B Class neighborhoods is really touch at that price range. 

@Adam Briley is the duplex Class A property or Class B or C?

I think the class of property/tenant is also a factor on where people look for apartments.

., would you mind sharing what classes you had to take to learn how to install?