I am now here with the goal of learning as much as I can to help me get into investing.

What is the long term goal of RE investing for you (what is the "why"?)

My goals are to buy properties in Maryland so that I can 1. buy hold and rent the properties and 2. rehab the properties and sell them for a profit; not necessarily in that order.

From what I understand, most major banks will not allow them.At the end of the day, your decision is based on what your ultimate goals are.  

It depends on your goals, investment criteria, the type of properties, and the Market you are investing in.For instance I am a Buy and Hold investor.  

Yet most, not all of the places the agent is prepared to show me don't really fit my criteria outside of being in my price range. although I'd rather move faster, I don't mind a bit of patience for something I want to come up.

My goal is to be doing exactly what you are doing (deal size, multi-unit size, raising capital, etc.). 

With a goal of 1 book a week in looking to read a ton of books!

Thanks @Anthony Dooley and @Kuba F.  it

Brendon: In North Austin at least, you will not be able to achieve this goal with a duplex.