I am interested in helping us "Baby Boomers" in the thousands as we gracefully become older and wiser!

Because we aren't seasoned, I would want to wait and learn as much as we can from the first duplex before purchasing the second, then own the second long enough to try to learn to streamline managing the 4 units and then move on to purchasing the 3rd. 

The house was in an older area of a city that has a high crime rate; however, the area held the value higher than other areas of the city due to the country club it was next, and many other factors.

I am a bigger fan of equity so long as it still cash flows b/c I like 15 yr mortgages to get mine paid off, but my strategy is for a paid for portfolio and to simplify my life as I get older.  

Lot's of great resources here and helping hand  from more seasoned members - not me just yet :)

Secondly, in my humble opinion, you can get the most knowledge networking and interacting with seasoned investors.

The yin-yang in seasoned vs newb -- when you're dealing with someone that's seasoned you tend to get laxed and not check certain things out because you know(suspect) that they know better(more trusting relationship).

If you bought below market find someone who will allow you to mortgage the property for the new appraised value of the house--but you will probably have to have the property seasoned for 6 months before this will work.

Wondering if there is any seasoned investors near my area ?

I'm looking to gather knowledge and experience, and if there is a seasoned investor out there looking for someone to mentor, I would love to talk to you as I think having a mentor is crucial.