The amenities your competition offers will determine how booked they are, and also will help guide you to figure out what you need to offer to separate yourself. 

You're better off asking on here, imo.I try to screw my competition.

The market here is quite competitive as I'm sure you know.I would suggest looking into CFRI.net as a great place to meet people and network.

Do you see any scenario of making a competitive offer with an FHA loan?

It's getting hotter and more competitive though!

If the duplex that you want is listed with an agent and posted on the MLS, it may be a bit more difficult to get creative depending on the buyer competition in your market.

You would need to offer rent lower than market rents to be competitive as you are the only person who adds it on as an additional expense.   

I am a currently holding a temporary contract position as a Registered Nurse, as I would like to get out of the profession due to lack of passion for the job.

My current roadblock is financing, both in terms of loan approval due to my inconsistent income and just lack of capital. 

different standards for flipping and renting. contractors are mostly lazy and lack efficiency. if you can do it yourself, by god, DO IT. otherwise youll be there babysitting contractors. even if you can manage 1-2 hours a day to do something progressive, youll still work faster than most contractors there for a week at 8 hrs a day.