The reason I know this is because my first duplex was a complete gut, I had no clue what I was doing I just believed in the end result and trusted the people I was connected with locally.  

You should either buy with a DSCR up front if the property is eligible and self fund your rehab or hard money for acquisition, do most rehab to common areas with the exception of additional walls prior to refinancing into a long term DSCR loan. 

I am still undecided if it will be a condo or single family home or duplex.

You could buy a duplex and now you are a direct multifamily investor.  

Reading what you all I’ve had to say, which I very much appreciate, I’m a little concerned because it is definitely boutique and also very high-end in terms of style: stamped concrete wall, polished  concrete floors, chicum wall in the  kitchen… but there are only 10 units total. there is a coffee shop that will be on the first floor and as I mentioned it’s right on the border of La Valeta and Holistika.

-New, affordable duplexes that have 2 bedrooms in each unit?

A duplex or triplex could be a solid first step.Get Legal AdviceTalk to a trusted attorney before agreeing to anything like a trust.

And the wall is built on top of that wood.

When we run into walls, we look for easy ways out.

Or any stories of starting with a single-family home helping ease you in instead of starting with a duplex or triplex?