Plan A is a bust. Now What?

[Sean Sloop]

Hello Everyone, 

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned I was going to be tkaing the plunge into REI by house hacking a duplex. This past weekend was my first time going for showings and boy was I surprised. At my price point the unit I thought were decent turned out to be awful (water damage, exterior damage, rats). I could not see myself living in the area or these homes. This was extremely discouraging and realized I have to revise my REI plan.

So, I am looking for any input on what to do next. I am thinking about purchasing a SFH or a townhome in a twin cities suburb and putting in some value-add upgrades and selling in the future. So similar to a live and flip. While doing this, what should I do with my savings? Should I look for properties still (I am considering investing in my home town Grand Rapids, MI)? Should I look for a partner to make the investing barrier easier? Should I pay down my debts (car and student loans) so that investing can be easier in the future?

Looking for any feedback going forward or any relate-able stories!

Thanks!