A duplex is a good starter investment because it gives the economies of scale with multiple units, but without jumping into the deep end of the pool with apartments.

In my experience there is zero chance there is no damage in a unit with carpet and multiple dogs.

@Alex Stewart  We have received multiple applications at that rate and are currently evaluating applicants.

Try this example: You go to Zales and buy a simple engagement ring for $2000, take it home.

Also you should have multiple exit strategies.

I talked to people and they were split on whether I should do it or not, but I want to have multiple properties, so I went for the safety of it. 

I just did not see that as reasonable for a home of the price range to 1) sell quickly nor 2) command a strong sales price or get into a multiple offer bid off.

You may also find that neighborhoods sometimes have multiple names or there may be small pocket of a neighborhood within larger ones which can make it unreliable to go off of neighborhood names only.

In 5 years and multiple gut-renovated 3 and 4 family properties in the same neighborhoods I can tell you that the various costs associated are basically identical property-to-property. 

I'd also be interested in any aggregated source of data, if there is someone who collects data for multiple jurisdictions.Thanks in advance!