I tend to soak up more information by ear, but I frequently bookmark and take notes later on.

I dont know much about Montasano from a geotechnical standpoint but here in the northwest we dont tend to have expansive soils like texas so solutions tend to be different.  

I tend to shy away from brand new houses/plexes because the builders tend not give any good deal at all.

Lease options tend to be a little tricky with real estate agents, mainly due to when the "sale" occurs. 

They tend to focus on the tax side of the entity, and disregard or diminish the liability side of the entity.

I guess here's what I would add - most people with rentals tend to show a loss so that would at least get you the 25k. 

The agents all tend to know each other so when you do call to ask a question or two and you tell them who you're working with they are more receptive to you and then even more willing to work with your agent.

But VA loans have there own rules and tend to be more lenient.

We've got an informal monthly get together next week if you'd like to drop in, we tend to have some buy and hold folks; check my profile if you're interested.

Managers of small buildings tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of skill set so they take more hand holding.IMO if you sell your duplex and purchase a property that needs property management, you will be back in the same place in short order.