Thanks again for the insight and motivation.

Found this awesome McDonalds ad to get you motivated . . . if you see any other cool ones, please post it here for the rest of us to check out.

However, let's take a quick look at her motivations and situation...  

People get motivated at different times for varying reasons.

You will undoubtedly have to do some rehab , but you might be able to find a motivated duplex seller.I haven't done any research myself but there must be a list of duplex owners available somewhere.

If workers are waiting to get paid it will make the laziest of them motivated to finish.

Not to say cars and houses are not motivations, they sure are, and everyone has material motivations, but they are not the main driving force.

I watched a series of YouTube videos on REI and it has since been making me wonder what potential it could have for a motivated green newbie like myself.  

You have to understand the owners motivation for selling and owner financing.Does the seller still maintain ownership and title to the property? 

Don't let the price scare you off and just look for the motivated sellers.