I have seen this same house that is vacant (all the classic signs) I have located the owner ( I have not reached out to her yet).

Suggesting to them buying their house for a wholesale range offer or lower dependent on the extent of the rehab, then having a contract in place that gives them a percentage of the profit to help get them back on their feet, paying off debts etc.

Attend your local REI meet-ups and try to find someone who is currently house-hacking or has house-hacked in the past to learn from their experience.

It’s like a scene out of a zombie movie as these people stagger down the middle of the street to the liquor store on the corner past my house.

@Jahniya Butlercan you start with a house hack instead? 

We are not familiar with any of these markets, nor do we have anyone trustworthy there, or a real estate agent.Our approach would be both rental and house flipping.

I'm a house hacker too, message me if you want to connect 

Well, STR can work well for people who own a vacation house for personal use, and just want to generate some extra income when not in use.  

Please see the rough numbers below :Tear down house price 350k,Construction cost 165 sqft * 2 build=627k Darnell, did you get your questions answered?

I have investor friends in LA area offering temporary free housing.