I actually wouldn't mind letting him out the lease as long as he pays his utilities and maybe a fee (my lease doesn't have this lease break clause... this has taught me a lesson in adding it now) 

Fair housing: you must treat all applicants and tenants the same or it could be seen as discrimination.One thing you could do is ask for a co-signer if the tenant does not meet your criteria.Keep in mind, a bad tenant is always more expensive in the long run then a vacant property.

Let us know what strategy you have in mind and we can all help and guide you. 

I'm here to join a community of like minded people to help with accountability and personal growth in this area.

Can we open a Heloc on that duplex?

Keep in mind that "funds" are unsecured loans with 0 security as opposed to trust deeds which are secured by real estate. 

I am a homeowner who purchased my first home two years ago trusting a real estate agent (assigned by the mortgage company) who did not seem to have my family's best interest in mind.

You just have to be smart about where you're buying and work with the right people.If you get lucky you may even be able to find the right duplex deal under $110k (if you're open to those).I have 14-doors in Detroit and have been investing there since 2019. 

Super low out of pocket, the best interest rate you can get, lowest closing costs, highest seller contributions, etc, etc.Keep in mind that house hacking REDUCES my cost of home ownership.

If you don't mind me asking, are you paying loads for it?