Welcome to BP - think you are definitely starting in the right place - house hack duplex to start the real estate investing journey should be a solid bet - don't need a huge amount of capital either if you buy smart

So how about an estate where person passed?

Unfortunately, companies have the upper hand and can hire a nondisabled person easily. 

Your best asset would a friendly real estate agent. find the right person who's willing to help you and educate you along the way. 

Depending on the location, you are probably sitting on a solid equity position.

I have never personally had issues with insurance even in the valley for my clients now that I think of it. 

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

I have several clients that 'self-manage' or have a full time private manager that has enabled them to offer their manager/cleaner (occasionally the same person or couple) double the hourly cleaning rate (compared to national PM companies) while reducing the booking/cleaning fees for tenants. 

The property is an existing STR and the historical P&L data is solid.

As long as it will pass an appraisal and not be "Subject to" major issues you can get a renovation or personal loan for work.Unless you are cash fluid and can add some cash back into the property and then pull back out on the ARV refinance.