My goals are to start out bird dogging/wholesale flipping to build a bankroll, then move into getting hard money lenders to fund rehabs in my area.

As you are building your bankroll from your job, you will be learning about investing in RE too.After a couple of years, you will have some money to put down on an investment property or 2.

Having a bank roll is so helpful.

How oh how will a suave 34 year old man with a bankroll survive back in school amongst impressionable mid 20-something co-eds?

Its also possible to grind away for a long time while your bank roll slowly disappears.

This means properties that are no bigger than 1800 SqFt/ 167 SqM (stay away from high end/move up properties/apartments/commercial properties for now until you build enough of your bankroll) and properties that reflect the median price of your city which is ~$550,000 - these kind of properties will cater to first time home buyers or renters who want to get out of the apartment atmosphere and move into a private home environment.Once you have targeted your properties, you need to determine your purchase price.

So if you blow your entire bank roll on one auction you are in trouble.

Leaving 400k upfront + closing costs 6 months bankroll etc.  

The only piece I havent figured out just yet is future repairs, should they bankroll those as well and I manage them? 

Wholesale a few houses to get your bank roll-up.