This allows you to appeal to life event travel, sports teams, organizations, business travel, and then vacation rental normal crowds.

I know with just the little bit of reading and information I've gathered that the "BRRRR" strategy really appeals to me.I look forward to learning a lot from this community!

It is close to a couple small Universities and decent retail/food areas, so I could see it appealing to many different tenant types.

You also have an option of appealing the tax assessment.

In my mind this would encourage an interested buyer to make a quick decision because, as the price becomes more and more appealing, the competition could step in and take away the deal.

By the end of next year, the theory is the rates will be even higher.Here is something that may help you visualize just how that new interest rate will affect you. 

will you need to upgrade the duplex to have better appeal?

I did not know it was a model that did well, but I can see it plausible.I would consider buying an ugly home, but would need to investigate it further to see how or if it appeals.

Part of the appeal is to have a house we can stay at when we are in the area (usually about once a month).Our goal is to buy at least one single family home per year for the next several years, so I'm guessing we will end up doing a combination of long-term and short-term rentals. 

Call around for local lenders even banks and hopefully you find a quote that is appealing.