@Bill Hampton lists some good ideas. 

Based on those goals, research online (or get ideas here on the forum about those markets).

I know the easy answer to this is "check with your CPA" but I'm still in the process of working to establish with a real estate specific CPA who better understands the nuances of these topics.

I also love the idea of having maybe a 3rd party handyman or something like that to inspect the work periodically, that would be cheaper and that way they have no reason to lie. 

I'm exploring the idea of renting out property to Section 8 tenants in St.

Back when I first had the idea of real estate investing, creative financing was my only option, seeing as I had little capital on hand and even less of a chance that any lender would talk to me. 

I would walk the property with a couple of GC's and let them give me an idea. 

I officially moved here years ago before investing but I’m wondering for my family whether it’s a good idea to have them invest in my markets here so if there are major tax/regulatory hurdles that would make this unreasonable.Thanks to all!

Well-intended, no doubt, but you might consider running some of these ideas past a good lending attorney.

I am currently ending the co-ownership because my dad seriously screwed me over & I have no idea if it'll end with me getting half the fair market value now or waiting until my parents die before I assume it.