How to I improve the value of a duplex so I can refinance my money out?  

I'm looking for a program that would give incentive to rehabbers and contractors to come in and improve these properties. 

Duplexes are either side by side, or 2 story.Some side x sides are basically owned by separate owners and may have separate PID's so not advantageous if you can't purchase the entire building.One thing is whether the property has current tenants and what lease terms they have, the leases usually transfer to new owner and you would be held liable to maintain the term of the lease until it expires unless you make arrangements with seller to deliver property vacant.. but in terms of purchase a occupied property shows income so would improve loan terms. 

@Courtney Hebert if you're interested in a 203k you might also look at the Fannie Mae Homestyle renovation loan, its similar but has some benefits over the 203k in that it has a little less red tape on the type of improvements you can make, and doesn't have an owner occupant requirement.

Super helpful to see where I can tighten up the initial evaluation and improve my process.

Is the area improving?

I know it will be near impossible to buy something before 2 years is up and I already have a good plan to improve my credit very quickly but the part I'm struggling with is what should I do with my money?

And of course I have a step by step process for you to follow because I believe in developing systems and checklist to improve your effectiveness and to later automate your business.

Princeton is such a nice community that I bet you'll get back every penny of the cost of the improvement and then some.

I saw this last time too where all these flips shows came out, seminars from educators were rampant, news stories were once again touting real estate as in vogue and a juggernaut that can't be stopped.I know agents right now buying cars,big houses, trips out the yang thinking (this is awesome).I am trying to make smart investments today and hold a certain liquidity position to take advantage of discounted assets in the future.There is talk that Trump's plan for reducing corporate taxes and road improvements might extend the cycle out 2 to 3 more years but nobody knows for sure.