No smart seller would want that.   

To see me persevere through struggles and come out on top while putting in HARD and SMART work.

I think it is a smart option to think about. 

It's not smart to agree to this.

There are smart, capable people that make it work; however, I've bought 5 or so from OOS investors that could not and lost money.I guess what I'm saying is be careful. 

I've come to the realization (correct me if I'm wrong) that if you want to invest smartly, you must have contact with multiple real estate agents so that you can get accurate numbers from the MLS to fully understand your market.

My question is, would it be smart to purchase a duplex with a finished basement, eventually fix it up to create another unit or use that money as a down payment for another investment property?

I got already the Rich Kid, Smart Kid book from Robert Kiyosaki, any other resource?

If you were smart enough or lucky enough to capitalize on buying properties 5 years ago then your property has most likely appreciated in value.

They can be easily self managed from anywhere in the world with just a smart phone.