Best of luck in your search. 

I've not heard of them, though I did do a Google search after seeing your post.  

Landlord tenant law and fair housing is enough to get most new investors to think twice...plus unless you have access to PM tools like screening services, MLS and other rental marketing sites, vetted leases, vendors to handle repairs...you should let a professional handle it.  

Searching other related threads can also be a good source of information and you'll start to see what professionals regularly responds to these questions.

2) In terms of meeting other investors, use the "Search" feature of BP to look for locals in your area and then connect with them directly.

Search BP forums for "drive for dollars" to get more detailed ideas- Buy a list of multi-family properties with absentee owners and market to them via mail- Try to find another agent that is more investor-aware that can help you search- Find a local investor group to network (you should be doing this anyway) and try to find deals

I'm easy to find if you search by my name. :)

Should I expand the search radius to find other duplexes to do a proper analysis of the comps?

Thanks a lot @Alex Deacon, I don’t know if I wasn’t looking hard enough but i am confused on finding one, personally I don’t know anyone who does real estate, and searching on google had no avail. 

The 1031 exchange is one of the most powerful tools that a real estate investor has to build substantial wealth over the long term.