Without much experience negotiating for deals, budgeting rehab, swinging hammers, or narrowing down a niche in the game it's going to be REALLY hard. 

With the programs I'm using I can narrow down lists to all of the usual candidates (absentee owned, aod, nod, nts etc.)

Then try to scrape off the textured coating in that section with a narrow, thin scraper, like a 2-incher or better yet a flexible 3/4 little guy. 

I would also look at narrowing down cities in the metroplex you are interested in, where you may potentially be working, and a realistic budget.

If you want, we can talk and I can help you narrow it down, if you decide to go the course route.

I have narrowed it down to 2 lenders who have offered me around 3% with monies credited toward closing costs.

Then you can narrow it down with certain criteria for the homes such as how many beds, baths, SQFTs, pricing, location, etc...

That would potentially help narrow down your search.

Awesome, i’ll narrow down my search and will reach out.

Or find a condo or townhome (lower price point) that you purchase and then you can rent out the rooms by college towns (assuming you don't want to live there and can just rent out all rooms, you can start potentially cash flowing and building equity.)If I were you I would first start speaking with a lender who can help you figure out what you need to get into property and at what price point, that will help you narrow your scope and timeline in a world of REI which can be overwhelming if you are not focused in the right place for you.Good Luck!