THE challenge is there are so few duplex's in the locations I want that I spend a ton of time looking and not buying.

Some neighborhoods you can stand on a street and look both ways and see 3 or 4 houses under construction (infill developments) and most are already pre-sold before they finish completion.Now, obviously the OP and you were discussing areas up a little further in the county, and as you mentioned they are quite different than the areas I am talking about, but I think the biggest difference comes from people tired of the commute into DC from areas further out.

Do an MLS or loopnet search and note the biggest multifamily brokers.

I think my biggest concern is making sure that I am making the proper disclosures to show that I am not taking advantage of potential real estate customers for personal gain.

We see the biggest downside on the property is the fairly large amount of cash it would eat up...would need about $60k down.

Excessive talking is usually an attempt to prevent getting challenged on anything.Better Business Bureau is making money off accreditation.. but I would still take a look at the complaints.

One of the contracts was cash with no contingencies and still didn't close- GO FIGURE.I'm making the point that each avenue of investing has its advantages and challenges.

Leverage seems like the biggest item in favor of Real Estate.Transaction cost & ease of owning seem like biggest item in favor of Stocks.

In my newbie opinion, the biggest bonus for having a real estate license would be getting access to properties without needing to coordinate with your agent.As an example, driving through a neighborhood and spotting a vacant house with a for sale sign on it.

I don't know if that has been challenged.