I'd love to connect with other investors and do some projects together and also help investors locate and make offers on properties.

Hello, I live in one unit of duplex and rent the other for more than 2 years of last 5 years.

Is there a more advantageous way than others?

I am interested in learning more about creative financing for this opportunity.Best,YbC

You can usually also benefit more by simply using the seller or builder credit to do a simple "Rate buydown".The first rate on the buydown is a "teaser" rate that only last for a short time 1 year for example but a true rate buy down is for the entire term. 

Property is versatile posied pretty well for STR’s and long term hold I feel given the location.The investor group seems to be streamlining into new construction and flipping / selling from what I gather (lots of properties on market now and new construction projects in development, I think the selling agent mentioned they had 400+ SFH in portfolio currently they are trying to sell off and transition more so into new construction and large scale apartment complexes) and have own separate businesses in the HVAC / Roofing / flooring world etc.I think my take away here is that I need to get my hands on the previous inspection to see what came up and check it off.

or does anyone know someone who knows someone who could help me with the certification? 

I hope that helps some.

There are several apps out there that can help if you are not using them already, one is called padsplit that i've seen. 

I appreciate the help