I would try repeating what you did a few times and if there's success then you know you're on to something and maybe you can teach that to others. 

My plan is to live in the duplex for the first year as required by my loan and then rent out.   

You find an abandonded property and look it up and see it's got issues then you track down the owner and never let go.

You could do 'coming soon' and then start showing it once you close (and before it turns into a reno zone). 

You then take over and close with the homeowner.

I have not found one opportunity yet that gives me an ARV of 75%.Any professional investor will tell you that if you go over that the amount of work that you have to put doesn't worth the return.My latest was found in the MLS where we got a better deal than what I was getting from wholesalers.Let me clarify that the wholesaler business is needed, but it seems at the lack of deals they are putting the pressure to then investors. 

Rents in the area are anywhere from $1k-$1300 a month.My plan was to get a hard money loan to get it going and fixed up and ready for tenants, then within about 6-7 months refinance the home with a traditional lender, then sit with that home for awhile until I get fully comfortable with the one house.

Then, I would go online and read what HUD has to show you.

If the home was built prior to 1978 then it should have a Lead Based Paint Disclosure Yes, you will need to attach the required disclosure as an addendum in the new lease. 

Hello, Dean Valadez, I think the best way is to weigh your options then take it from there.