Looking forward to the passive income but also to the tax benefits

It might give you peace of mind as a newer / smaller investor, but in the end you have a problem you want to solve (taxes and being compliant), and if your tax guys owns a duplex will have no impact on his ability to address those issues. 

Similarly, there's a divide on whether taxes should be included or not in determining NOI.This lack of consensus has left me scratching my head.

The total monthly payment will be pretty close to this: P&I - $1,295, Taxes - $420, Insurance - $175, PMI - $220, for a grand total of around $2,100/m.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1056436-clearing-up-confusion-on-tax-treatment-of-short-term-rentals

The associated costs, such as increased insurance and property tax, could pose a challenge under this model as well.

If you're looking for a landlord friendly state with lower taxes and a market with lots of potential for appreciation, Columbus could be a good fit.Best of luck as you start out! 

Roth IRA distributions will be tax free. 

Tax free money is always something to consider and even BETTER than a 1031 exchange which only defers taxes.

Nevada is landlord friendly and low property taxes.