You could not have come to a better place.I currently live and invest in South Carolina but I can give you my ideas and I'm sure others will comment.First, I'm assuming you are investing 3 hours from New York City due to prices and competition.  

Mind you, however, it is extremely competitive and expensive in our area; nearly all properties on the market have multiple offers and require cash, along with a quick close. 

My Criteria: Currently seeking a property that is in a B or C neighborhood(not looking into specific neighborhoods), 1 or 2 bedroom units, duplex or triplex, under $175,000, with a net cash flow of $100 and ok with doing minor repairs...Any tips for finding duplex deals in a competitive market???

That crack about the competition is another red flag.You can hire people to put signs out just like the developers and home builders do.

If there's something that someone doesn't know, BP is a forum for us to help each other, not tear each other down in a competition over who knows more or has more experience.

Our market is similarly competitive right now, with multiple offers on most if not all transactions.

I got the Georgia Competitive Edge package which comes with the post Licensure class.

Some have gotten more lenient/competitive as the market has improved, but the halcyon days of 100% financing ended in 2008.

I dont figure in capX as I "float that across the portfolio, and we try to cover big ticket items up front if possible, when doing the rehab. my suggestion is to be careful buying as the market is rising, I have backed off, the deals are harder to find to meet my needs, because buyer competition has picked up. it will cycle, so be patient and only buy Great deals!!! 

Do other rental properties (your competition) have central A/C?