Next time I'm around, if you're game, I'd love to see one of your facilities if that's an option.Cheers!

As @Taylor L. mentioned lenders often want to see the GP have some skin in the game besides loan guarantees. 

Here are the first things that come to mind- however it is important to understand that RE is a long term game and in order to get something of value something of value has to be given whether that is time, energy, or money, etc. 

This is a long term play and you don't come up for air until 15-20 years in the game and start paying off the properties.

From a macro level the region is strong and diverse economically, while still being fairly affordable for the rents a good unit will demand. 

So what I was thinking (say the numbers make sense) that we find a private/hard money lender, put a small down payment so that we have skin in the game too not just the lender, increase the interest rate so it’s beneficial to the lender, rehab the duplex, and increase rental price, then refinance in 1 year having a background of tenants to show the bank, and to pay back the lender so it’s a short term investment.What do you guys think?

I'm ready to start investing and I'm really itching to get into the game and start building a portfolio.

The most important things to look for in any market are growing populations, growing jobs, modern economies with a diverse employment base, business friendly climate, low property taxes and favorable landlord tenant laws. 

Seems like you have a pretty thought out game plan and financial foundation to back that up.I myself am still new but have found plenty of awesome people here on BP.if you ever have questions feel free to reach out to myself or make a post on the forums and you’ll find quickly that there are many people here who are supportive on any questions you may have.Best of luck on the journey.

The only issue is that I'm late to the game in building credit.