She would rather bury every penny we have in a coffee can in the back yard than risk any of our earned money.

I am not an experienced investor at all, in fat I own zero properties, but I do happen to know a little bit about finances which may be able to help your current situation.  

If you're wanting to flip properties, I'd suggest getting in with a local real estate agent or appraiser and gain as much local knowledge as you can in order to assess your market area well.

Get as much education as you can about everything, pick one area, then start over and get as much education as you can in that one area. 

Since this is going to be an investment you want to pay the least you can and/or get the best terms you can - low/no down payment, low monthly payment to help cash flow, and some equity going in by getting the lowest price you can in case you want to sell sooner than you want to. 

I am listening to the Bigger pockets Podcast featuring Fat Tony too and I am very inspired by his experience too. 

Just in case, get a fat insurance policy and sleep well. :)

Which, if the property is in Salem, can be found here:  http://www.townofsalemnh.org/sites/salemnh/files/f...At the very least, both lots resulting from the subdivision need to meet the minimum lot size requirement for the zone in which they are located.  

I have been funneling thru as much of the info and resources as I can in the last few days [since finding BP].  

Continue with college and learn all you can in and out of college (like you are here on BP) but at least if you know what the market is in your area, you know better what you're saving for.