One thing to consider is splitting the idea of looking for a place to live and the idea of an investment property. 

They are pushing rent control, some of the laws that the cities and state are pushing through are down right Anti Landlord.This is turn is creating a lot of people that are just hungry to get in to the game, they see these properties hit the market but have no idea about the laws that they will come across. 

@Polen NA if you have limited capital to invest I would recommend you buy one at a time and use owner occupied loan to buy properties.

I like the idea of a duplex (or more units), long term tenants.I was wondering if our area just doesn't add up, or if I'm missing something.I saw an older duplex for 480,000.

Your financing options are going to be limited and more expensive as well. 

In terms of LVP, I would check local rent comps to get any idea for what renters in your area could be looking for. 

I have been kicking around the idea of getting my license in New York even though I am not actively looking at real estate in NY or do I really intend to get a job as an agent. 

We LOVE the idea of Pre Fab, as it’s potentially fast and predictable.

I'm considering furnishing every room to make the transition easier for tenants and to avoid potential damage during moves, especially considering the property's multiple stairs.However, since I don't yet have access to the property, there are limitations on what I can do.

If you want to maximize your max rents then if might be a good idea to condomise it so that you can get rents as two separate units.