If you had no partner and not enough money to secure financing this idea seems worth the risk.

Security systems.

Any tips on how to find duplexes?

Jason provided some awesome recommendations on securing a reputable GC, like tying the funding to completion of work, requiring the appraiser submit updates before funds are released and working with GCs who use a net 30 payment cycle, and also going and meeting these various professionals face to face in the market your prospecting. 

If you are high income coders you will find a new high rise to lock yourself inside secured cameras and triple gates like in downtown.

If they're mid-sixties they are or should soon be eligible for social security, if they're covered. 

I'm very excited to introduce myself to the Bigger Pockets community.My name is Pete Stevenson and my wife and I recently moved to Boise, Idaho after completing a 16-month road trip from Seattle, WA to the tip of South America.As we settle into our new lives in the USA, we are in the learning phase of real estate investment, soaking up as much new information as possible and preparing for our first deal.

Any BPers with any tips for a newbie?

Generally week one would consist of securing the property,  starting utilities in the correct sequence according to season, insurance and any urgent repairs. 

Only owner occupants can claim homestead exemption as well as only one per Social Security Number.