You may also want to check the Columbus OH market - great macroeconomics with lots of job and population growth along with major companies developing here that drive strong rental demand. 

It was vital that the house be in close proximity to the one who knew how to do the repairs, because of the technology of our current time theoretically Id be able to monitor and track progress with a trust worthy foreman whos on the job, performing repairs, managing subs, and moving the needle.

i would:-get the highest paying W2 job you can-save up enough to buy a house hack-house hackwhile you continue to learn and consider the other possibilities you mentioned.

Year 1, I intend to keep my W2 job while i work to get my small business going.

It's so nice to have that safety net.

If you like your job, and your goal is to create long term wealth through equity then keep the property, fix it up over time, and in the future you will be able to rent it out for profit.

The thing is huge and just sucks to have it sitting empty outside of me hanging out in there with a couple beers and a TV on nice days. 

Seems like you have done a good job.

Needless to say it has nice finishes.  

It's your job to create a buffer between the tenants before they start fighting as well.