These couple of years are huge - in part due to inflation (a huge asset to a RE investor), and in part due to the amortization schedule of your loan improving (i.e. paying more principle than interest).  

I am looking for a part time job to work around my schedule and want to get more involved in real estate here in Milwaukee.  

Cleanup can be a pain at first, but once you figure out the routine, it's fast. 

I suppose I may just bite the bullet and schedule a meeting with a real estate attorney and tax person, but I am really considering getting a home equity loan on my current home to pay cash for a duplex. 

The amount that you need to reinvest is your Net Sale Price, which equates to your Gross Sale Price less routine selling expenses such as broker's commission, title and escrow closing costs, attorney closing fees, recording fees, exchange fees, etc. 

Real estate property tax may be deducted on schedule A, under taxes, without regard to the 2% rule.

In the past, our accountant assigned equipment purchases to an arbitrary house (under schedule E), and simply divided general expenses evenly between all houses. 

I too attend the meet-ups when time and schedule allows.  

My schedule is well, substantially more hectic due to being aircrew.

How far are you into the amortization schedule?