We are lucky that mechanics and roof are in good condition, so a few less things to worry about.  

I had a new roof, gutters and soffits put on the house.  

I would plan on the lower end of rent values when calculating your #s.I could do 1% rent to price but it'd have to be in a stellar neighborhood with all new infrastructure (roof, AC, interior, etc) to drive down expected maintenance costs over the 15 years I can finance the property for.Don't get locked in with something that's a marginal performer with no exit strategy that doesn't result in a loss.

The home needs a roof and siding replaced to make it look presentable, the inside has already been inspected and approved for tenancy.I have 16k cash on hand, how would it best suit me to proceed with the financing to benefit cash flow and taxes?

And tone of voice is something you only obtain in talking directly to them. 

I just had a new roof put on a duplex.  

I became interested in REI after hearing many people mention Real Estate as the way to build wealth being as though people are always going to need somewhere to live.

Odds are in your favor it isn't.Obviously, first repair the plumbing & make sure the roof, windows, doors & foundation are water-tight.

The roof looks like it might need some work, but that could have been an illusion from the pine needles.

It's basically the same as if the roof were leaking 5 years ago and then you replaced the roof.