Like @Jonathan Greene said, networking locally is a key. 

The victim had stolen from me, was larger much younger and high on drugs.  

In Milwaukee, look into networking groups like the Milwaukee Real Estate Investors Association (MKE REIA) lot's of different approaches covered including wholesaling and flips, or if you decide on buy and hold the Rental Property Association (RPA) of WI is great.

Not necessarily - you can network with wholesalers and investor friendly agents to help you find deals, your learning curve will just be knowing how to evaluate the deals and if they can make sense for flipping or having to hold afterwards.2.

Having a larger building does seem like a better investment option if paired with partners. 

Liam,Let's Connect add me to your Network.

Once those are complete, rough plumbing, electrical and mechanicals can be started (rough plumbing should go first, then mechanicals as these are the larger sized items and rough electrical is easier to work around them than vice versa.

Tenants HATE cameras when it is a SFH or duplex but on larger properties they welcome the cameras because it makes them feel safe.

I was hoping to find opportunities to network and possible find someone interested in possibly mentoring.

Do I buy as low as I can to afford mortgage with 0 down and use 300k for big bear or put a larger down on primary home.