Here's the question - Should I work on paying off my current place so that it becomes pure cash flow in ~10 years, or should I save up to purchase a duplex in a cheaper part of the country that I can live in half of and house hack? 

Not that I havent found anything in my budget, but I haven't been able to find a property in an area that I feel safe/comfortable living in.I am starting to think maybe I should change my focus and try to find cheaper SFH where the mortgage payment would be around the same as my rent now (or slightly more).

I only have roughly 30k saved up in my bank account, the homes here cost more than a million..I'm debating if I should invest in cheaper areas.  

. $2 cheaper a square foot.

You can get in for 3% down which is a lot cheaper than the 20% investors need. 

If not doable anytime soon, sell and buy something cheaper for cash. 

Since it is cheaper with the "discount" they tend to get renter's insurance. 

Deal StatsI am using a HML which of course reduces the profits (i could make 20-30k more with cheaper money).

They might ask for some compensation, but if it helps it may be worth it and cheaper than option 2.     

I rather have one property valued at 500k that cash flows 10% a month.That being said, smaller and cheaper homes will always need owners and to those who like to specialize in that niche, good for them.