For example, if you need to renovate the kitchen, you simply pick the style of kitchen you wanted, input the sq ft data, and the tool would then create an estimate,  a scope of work to present to the contractors, and an order list which you can import into homedopt/lowes to order the materials.I have been a PM for a GC for close to 7 years, so I understand estimator tools.

@John Chason each "guru"/educator has their own personal style of educating.

@Jill Buhrfiend reagarding what @Frank Wong said, I wasn't gong to mention it because I assume it is in style where you are.

Well, the cabin decor is not my style at all.

Either way, I'm definitely more oriented towards income investing as opposed to flipping.

Wanting to have a business of our own and also to have cash flow to supplement our income and life style.

I don;t know your life style but once I carefully reviewed my wants vs needs my finance started to head in the right direction. 

Get a short list and be sure to meet with them on your visit.Finding investor oriented realtors can be difficult, but get a referral from other investors and your PM's probably work with some as well.

Usually you have the home style loans for a conventional lender, they take time to close though rates might be 5.5Then you have portfolio lenders usually local bank who can fund repairs and purchase.

Thinking of keeping it loft-style, big open spaces except for bedrooms and baths, trendy but low-cost finishes, hopefully 2 beds/1 bath per unit.