Evan,My advice would be to keep reading and studying.

       :)2.) when you can ,refi the duplex or know when you can get the equity out of it for a second property when the time is right (BRRR method)3.) become clear on what the property,where the property may be  or next the investment will be, based upon your goals.4.) binge watch & listen to BP 5.) follow what "sounds " good to you6.) look for meet ups but local REIA's  can be disguised  to "sell programs " so be wary  ,but you can get value from them5.) study your area ,real estate market watch it and become familar with price and inventory 

This is classic BRRRR thinking. and hypothetically works if you first bought the property at the bottom of the last RE cycle and rode the appreciation cycle up to current levels.

Hello BP friends..I have studied REI for the past year and have decided that I would like to pursue PF's and dominate this stratigy first before moving to other ways of investing.As a beginner, I have found it very difficult to be successful in landing any deals, mainly because my leads are not strong at all.I have been door-knocking on PreForeclosures for the past few months and it has lead me nowhere.I have been cursed, yelled at, invited in for visits by seemingly lonely people, and listened to many rants about crooked banks, terrible family members, ex's , etc.

You get a feel for this phenomenon when playing Cashflow Classic (free online), and you finance the entire down payment early in the game, before you've built up your income.

As a beginner I’ve studied up on what to do but I have no idea how to begin.

It's a 3 unit building, two 1 BR (One is the main house with a study and full size feel), and a 2 BR apartment.

Although i have studied their listings, most of their occupants are friends & family members.

They just buy without study or with no experience.

Get the environmental study done 3.