Anyone who's in my area and we could get together over a cup of coffee to share thoughts and strategies I'll gladly pay the tab. 

Originally posted by @Mary Ann Casey:My go-to spots have been Home Depot and Lowes, Oakland's Habitat for Humanity,  I agree - Habitat for Humanity usually has really great deals - we were able to pick up some $40 light fixtures for $5 and $75 fans for $10 - many things you can find are still in good condition - they have great deals on nails , screws, used paint ( it's not in the shape of a house)  etc.  

If anyone is from San Antonio and and has experience in this market then I would love to buy you a cup of coffee in exchange for your advice.

For the price of a cup of coffee, you can get some fantastic advice on how to get stared safely...but more importantly, how to avoid letting your questions keep you from getting started!

It needs flooring throughout, updated light fixtures, and some kitchen appliances.

I think it's relatively common for people who don't know this to take down the old light fixture and put up a fan. 

I'll be there over the holidays and would love to buy you a cup of coffee.  

My pleasure @Tyler Divine...1) Essentially same advice as posted about in your lumber purchasing post... detail the scope of work, specify fixtures or state the allowance for them, and review all bids to ensure apples to apples.2) Funny you should ask about poor soils, as I was recently consulted by a builder on this very topic as they didn't perform soil tests prior to acquisition and excavation and spent upwards of $70K on the fix!

House is about 16' above grade so they went almost to China to do the R/R.Our home is on a slab and when pipes in the slab leak/break, the common solution is to go up an exterior wall into the attic and across-n-down to each fixture. 

The department I work for will strip the home of roofing and certain other fixtures and arrange a dumpster to be hauled off as a way to decrease unnecessary smoke products.