Trying to figure out what i need to hit the ground running so that it's a successful business and not just an extra paycheck to complicate my taxes at the end of the year.

It’s not super complicated but if somebody has never sold a property before, they’re highly likely to make at least a few of these classic mistakes: 1.

Partnerships are very difficult and the more people you have involved the more complicated things can get.

To manage a property is not that complicated.

It's not really that complicated to buy out of state.

Business would be important starting out but eventually you’ll probably hire out the more complicated business aspect (legal/accounting).

For duplex, the rules are a bit complicated for owner occupied. 

But the latter can just be complicating things unnecessarily, but a benefit is if you do think you will co-invest with folks other than your father.

If the latter, that complicates things.

C Corp's double taxation rules definitely makes things complicated.