As you gain volume in sending them clients (inevitable as you grow) you will be able to negotiate a better price, or at least avoid increases.

Its really hard to get leverage as a IC or small business.

Being the losing bidder on every opportunity means you never buy anything (whether it's SFR, MFR, a business, etc.). 

You've been 'working in the trades' since you were 11, but have you ever run a construction business or been a General Contractor?

Would stopping by the business be too aggressive?

Unit A is about 100 years old and Unit B is almost completely new.Pros:-The duplex is in a very desirable neighborhood with home value appreciation year over year at about 50+%-Rent is also in high demand within this area-Cash flows well even with high interest rates and increasing property taxes-Home is price below average cost per sq ft-The house has been renovated and some parts of it has been remodeledCons:-All issues are with Unit A, the 100 year old unit.

If they do not qualify for conventional loans most private money are business purpose loans and require you to put it into an LLC

Next lure in novice investors with promises they can replicate your success with little or no money when in actuality all you have to do is teach them how to buy low barrier single family homes and they will be appreciative because they don’t know any better :) All jokes aside, if you want to mentor/ coach obtain a real estate license and help investors purchase investment properties as you continue to learn the business.

I’ve heard rates are increasing in Texas, but mine is more than doubling now. 

First,and before anything else, you must decide are you wanting to run a business or a side gig that provides a few homes to vacation to.