After commissions and everything these people took a 700-800k loss in under two years. my guess is this was bought for 1.2 mil as a 1031 exchange “to save taxes” these people got in over their heads and needed to liquidate for quick cash to cover debt on another investment.

Feels like Partial 1031 Exchange would also be an opportunity, correct me if I'm wrong @Dave Foster, if you continue to rent out the property after the sale. 

I'd be very wary of someone asking to rent it in exchange for doing work on it. 

In exchange I was hoping this could be a learning opportunity to help pave the way and set me on the right track for when the time comes after high school to purchase my first investment property and start the snowball.

All I want is an opportunity to master my craft and continue doing what I love, working on houses, in exchange for exceptionally fair prices.

They need to sign something acknowledging that they are giving up their rights to inhabit the house in exchange for money.

Would you recommend bringing in a partner to help with capital and construction costs in exchange for equity in the property?

Obviously meeting others/ a mentor in this space and doing the grunt work in exchange for their 10,000 hours would shorten the learning curve. 

He is distressed and will sell at a discount in exchange for speed.

I am eager to contribute my time and effort to support the work in exchange for the invaluable experience and knowledge I would gain from the experience.Thank you,Rijul Gupta