The very best book for a beginner (and pros) is “Investing in private equity real estate”.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to chat through private message or another means.

Is it possible to finance these deals through banks or would it have to be private lenders?

The biggest hurdle is accurately estimating how long it will take for you to complete your project as HML/bridge financing can be very expensive.

Since Arrowhead is a private lake with many restrictions about being able to put your boat on there, tenants would not be allowed to put their boat on the water unless they actually own improved property in Lake Arrowhead. 

I'm thinking about get my first duplex but the price is to low for bank or hard money loan do you know of any private lenders for 25k

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.Garages cannot open into bedroom/sleeping rooms requirementR302.5.1 Opening protection.Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.

I doubt I will be buying anything until then unless it's more of a private deal until refi with a good value add.. 

Biggest downside I see is that US 19 (Missouri Ave. is a real piece of crap).

My biggest advice is to analyze properties and make offers.