We're researching keeping this property and purchasing a new house in NE.

Same thing with your HELOC, if it's a $0 payment, it's a $0 impact.Not discouraging the purchase by any means, but food for thought: "There's no free lunch" if you're getting a below market rate from the builder that's getting paid for in the purchase price.

But right now, I wonder if a total newbie in this should really be trying to get a small loan (50k) to purchase two house around 60k each?

I purchased a duplex at a shore town in NJ.

Apartment buildings can be a great investment but you have to buy in an area that is appreciating and purchase a building that has good returns, hi-occupancy, and little overhead. 

Short story, I recently purchase an investment property. 

Especially under the TPC, the disclosure should be in writing with assignor, assignee and the seller (titled owner) acknowledging the assignee intends to assign the contract and not consummate a purchase.

Purchase Discount: It's crucial to buy properties at a deep discount if you plan to BRRRR and get cash back.

Let's say you purchase a property for a $100000.

The question is, how much leverage is the investor using to purchase the property and at what interest rate.