I recently met a guy on a job site that during a brief conversation about real estate, had explained that he was interested in selling the duplex he lived in. 

This site and community has changed my life!

@Jennifer T.Do you know what part failed on the outside unit? 

The calculators on the site are great for asking you the questions about things you may not be thinking about yet.

I grew up working on job sites, so am handy myself. 

. - find other equity investors to partner up with you- in a pinch, you may be able to get (expensive) personal loans and LOCs through sites like lendingclub, sofi etc..

To address your cap limitations, there are lenders that will have specific low down buy and live in programs with competitive interest rates that allow you as an owner occupant to finance a 4-plex as long as your live on site for a full year. 

Depends on the site and the utilities available. 

Lots of information in this site, looking forward to learning from guys/ladies on these site.

Are there national or regional sites where you can identify and checkout property management companies?