I think it is unusual for for a broker to give an individual the lockbox code but thats his issue.

MLS is ideal, but if you don't have that, you can use Zillow or Reifax.

I ask them to confirm when they are coming, all via a mass text that then relays back to me in individual conversations.

Not surprising, the single most helpful individual in this whole process was someone I met on Bigger Pockets, who would become my loan officer, @Upen Patel, with The Federal Savings Bank.

What I've gathered from the callers so far, they do not want to get into a multiple offer situation so the individual or their realtors have been calling exclusively on FSBO houses in their target areas.  

There is no ideal jump point, but given your confidence in yourself, figure manage these initial properties for around 12 months while constantly evaluating your income, expenses, personal time allocated, viability of professional management, viability of rental market etc.

And ideally you will find stuff you can make lowball offers on and haggle.Craig

The portability and lack of contract make it ideal for your purposes.

If your LLC is a single member entity and all activity on it will be reported on your individual tax return then for 1031 purposes the LLC is disregarded and you and the LLC are perceived to be the same taxpayer.So you could sell as yourself and buy as the LLC.  

He said this is because of my equity I would have already in a duplex plus my side being rented out (when I leave) - if I were to buy another duplex or single family home.Sorry for the long post but I guess my question is, for a first time investor, I have always been under the impression that a duplex is an ideal investment.