It's totally up to you but if the market/property did crash lets say $50K how would that impact you?

Depending on the loan type, (FHA vs Conventional vs VA, etc.) your rates would not be impacted once you move out but you may have an obligatory minimum timeframe you have to have the duplex as your primary address. 

However, the contract also  was written where change orders due to the builder fault would also negatively impact the homeowner.

Owners of 20+ have earned their stripes and are more likely to have experience or capital, either of which can soften the impact of negative events. 

So, cost vs new floor plan and the impact on the value.

My wife and I have a fundamental belief that building wealth increases our ability to impact the lives of others and give back to our local community.

The great thing is that REI usually gets the softest impact if you are properly prepared. 

They might have a bit higher crime or a bit more maintenance along the way, but I've not seen that impact my rentals other than a homeless person looking for somewhere vacant to sleep for the night. 14% COC is totally worth going over and asking that person to leave so you can get the property rented! 

Just because a news agency ran an article pointing out a trend and its impact on people (including people that identify as investors) - I wouldn't assume this is a 'swipe' or even negative.It's when we stick our heads in the dirt where the real risk exists.There's no recommendation of policy here - by the way. 

SMLLC has no impact on taxes.