If you're in a market where inventory is tight, this play works well for a fast and above low-end price. 

I keep a tight budget and expect to have no less than 20k set aside for a down payment by the summer of 2018 when I'll be ready to buy.

Ask the forum here how many people here have 2 or more houses.A ton tight?

If you’re open to doing medium-term (30+ day rentals), this is a great strategy as well and it will broaden your search area dramatically (inventory is extremely tight here currently).

But they are a big bank and tight restrictions on the credit side.

I've been successful within a tight nit group of buyers and sellers. 

Then you can either go to a bank to build out the second duplex or given that you have the first one built to act as a proof point you may be able to find a private money investor to help fund the second assuming you are tight on cash.

I think there is a market there but as you mentioned everything when it comes to real estate is tight. 

It is tight unless you can find a value add, which is tough.

Hi Mariana-Paul & Thans weekend seminar is a prelude to sell their bbotcamps, I know because I have worked with them for years and have also attended several...I completly understand, money is tight, you can still promote your business on a shoe string budget and use gorllia marketing tactics.