This includes things that deal with the unit like renovations, legal expenses, rent collection.The lender payments, taxes, and HOAs are paid via bank account and tracked on Stessa. 

If you are willing to move title to your personal name, you can go the conventional route.With DSCR you will have a pre-payment penalty (PPP) to get a lower rate. 5 yr PPP will get you the lowest DSCR rate.Conventional doesn't have any PPP, but will be underwritten based on your overall DTI.Hope this provide a bit more clarify.

The duplex is paid off.   

Great to have you here - getting started is often the hardest (and most exciting) part.Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you find good deals and know what to watch for during a purchase:How to Find Good Deals --Work with investor-friendly agents or a turnkey provider company in cash-flowing markets (many off-market deals come from relationships).Target secondary and tertiary markets like Akron & Canton, OH, Ocala, FL, or San Antonio, TX - lower prices, solid rents.Use deal-finding tools like:Realtor.com with filters for multi-family or SFRPropstream or BatchLeads for distressed or pre-foreclosure listsJoin local Facebook groups & BiggerPockets forums for wholesalers and pocket listingsMake lots of offers – the more you analyze and submit, the faster you learn what a “deal” looks like.What to Pay Attention to During a PurchaseBuy based on numbers, not emotion:Aim for cash-on-cash return of minimum 2%-3% in most casesInspect EVERYTHING:Foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC - unexpected repairs kill cash flow.Know the neighborhood:Check crime data, school ratings, and rent comps.Is it landlord-friendly (check state/local laws)?

Last one - flipped to a completely paid off STR in Mexico and our dream property and eventual riverfront STR.

Quote from @Marcus Pender: To start, I am very lucky to own a primary residence that is paid off in the northern Kentucky area.

All my properties are paid off now and if there was a time to transition to a PM now would be the time.  

Today the annual rent return is roughly 1/2 what I paid for it.

If that is a strategy you want to consider, I think you'll want a loan (or two loans) at purcahse with little/no pre payment penalty.

I took no up front money and I only get paid for success..