Very desirable place to liveI have about 10k saved up in savingsWhat are my options?

The other Triangle area people are correct in their assessment that what little duplex inventory there is, it is typically very old, not well maintained and in the less desirable parts of town.  

Your CPA might assign 20% to the non-depreciating land (dirt is always dirt and therefore doesn't lose value with age even though it might based on desirability) and the remainder is assigned to the structure which does wear out with age.

The exact same people who say new-age politically loaded  terms like "predatory lending" are the exact same people advocating the federal backstopping of  loans to everyone regardless of academic qualification,  or the desired course of study.  

Maybe find a job doing something to combine your real estate desires such as working for a property manager or an assistant to real estate agent.

But you can't call me like I am a private lender and expect 100% financing. the deals I do again are with very trusted partners that in most cases have been with me for 10 to 15 years... so really its a partnership its just we don't end up owning the asset the ground partner does we just facilitate them getting the rental portfolio they desire.

I don't always use a yard sign, I feel like I get more tire kickers and less desirable prospective tenants with the signs.  

Do banks even care to discuss based solely on your desired property stats?

My assumption is that any market with a 'Surplus' will not only have good deals in the present, but will become more desirable in the future.

You underscore your desire to help your friend however you would have been happy to profit.