1st Time Home Buyer - Duplex in LA

Hi! I am a first time home buyer who was initially looking for a single family home but the only thing available in my area is a duplex. It has a 3 bed 1 bath that I will be occupying and 1 bed 1 bath in the back which is separate. I am scared of managing a property. Has anyone ever done this with no experience before? How steep is the learning curve? I am not a handy person so if anything breaks do I just call a random handy man? Any help is appreciated. Also, can I just have the unit empty if I don't want to deal with tenants?

Thanks :)