Refinancing the duplex might make sense simply because I'd have it under a non-VA loan and could then go buy a new second home using another VA loan.

You won't be able to simply look on zillow and find a house in atlanta you'll be able to BRRRR and cash flow on while getting anything close to 100% of your money back out on a refinance.

Prior to reading this book, I'd simply use the "% of rents" strategy, which I always found to be a little inaccurate because it's based on averages, and what rental property is "average", right? 

@Alphonso Fletcher- You could pay many thousands of dollars for a consulting service, or you could simply use what's available on this website. 

I would simply make a plan for if you had to pay taxes and penalties and if you can still make it work if that happens than do it.

Stone foundations, cast iron sewer main stacks, & outdated electrical systems (knob & tube) are a few things to watch for.

Assuming you occupy one of the units, the costs associated with your unit are not expensed or depreciated at all…they simply raise your cost basis for gain calculations when you sell. 

If so, as John said, you can do fine by simply making sure you have an adequate personal umbrella policy.

Everything I am hearing about investing in the current market implies or simply states that the majority of “deals” are being done prior to listings even going active.

You can get these books for very little money on Amazon.com and usually for even less on Alibris.com.I'm not a big fan of simply telling people that they can learn everything they need to on YouTube.