Check with your Broker on this one @Mike Schorah as I imaging there's potential lisbility there... 

Working on getting the final details completed on this duplex. 

I’m also open to tips on how to approach this first deal the smart way.Thanks in advance—I really appreciate this community!

Imagine this situation.

On one of my properties I did this and learned that my replacement cost was way to high. 

Once you add yourself to the title, then it is jointly owned property and can create a partnership if this is used as a business asset later on.

Ironically my son is applying to med school this summer.  

This would be with partner, both of us 1st time investors. 

I say this because you may have an emotional attachment to this residence, and putting someone in there who creates major damage to the unit might break your heart as well as your checkbook.Good Luck!

I'm looking for mentorship, I've learned alot of hard lessons through doing this alone with YouTube and podcasts as my teachers.