It seems most of my tenants want every windows completely covered anyway, so you can expect them to just leave the curtain pulled over the window most of the time.Here is an example I found online, but I put my rod higher up:

Having a few of your friends as roommates helping to pay down your mortgage every month is a win win.

If you rent it out for more than 2 or 3 years and then sell it, you have to pay cap gains on the profits.I'd also run the numbers on the house to see what you'd get for rent and what all of the costs are associated with the house (property taxes, insurance, repairs, vacancy as well as mortgage payment). 

On the other hand, refinancing would provide a fixed rate mortgage that is lower in interest and has less concerns for paying back in the short term as long as the property still cash flows.

I been researching online but haven't found a clear answer to this. 

That is because the seller gets some money, there are closing closts, there are mortgage payments, usully there is some rehab work.

It's still a win for me because it's new construction, in a pretty good neighborhood, it's paying the mortgage and some so far, and I have a place to visit with my family!

I cannot, as a single mom afford those fees plus my new mortgage $2,400.00.

If I do end up purchasing a duplex for 299k, I would be living in one for about a year and rent out the other at 1300/month, In which I would still be paying out of pocket for the mortgage (est. 2122/month as per zillow) not including the other expense.

When you wholesale and in general the key to being a great real estate investor is being able to find great deals and distressed properties is where to look: financial dirstress being in preforeclosure or underwater on their mortgage, personal distress death in family, loss of a job, or divorce, or poor property condition.