Unless you are getting a heck of a deal I would recommend avoiding a foundation issue property until you have a team of contractors that you can count on and can find out what the repairs would run. 

If the timeline drags out then HELOCs can get expensive.

To prepare, start networking with investor-friendly agents, analyze local rental markets, and get familiar with financing options for multifamily properties.Good luck!

But I have to get to know you first.

Thus the reason why trying to hide identity is a joke, if you go to get a loan a bank will not lend to John Doe, you need to provide ALL your information which then goes in public records. 

The more reps you get the more you'll learn.  

I have been reading the online resources about getting started, searching the market, and even doing tours, but I am hesitant to jump in and buy a house as I have quite a large amount of student debt.

Many developers get hit with subsurface surprises, delays, and budget overruns, even after site surveys.

I have worked with a number of investors that buy a piece of property, get construction financing, if they can, and don't get a product they can rent for a return for over 2 years. 

Once again you really have to run the #'s yourself (going to be impacted by the rate you get) - make sure to include the PM charge when you use their worksheet - should be fairly close.