I would like to cash flow positively with minimal upkeep (obviously), but I just mainly want to take the plunge on my first deal to get my feet wet, learn, grow, etc. 

Wile being unethical may be heavily over weighted in wholesaling, it is certainly not limited to that. 

@Daniel Dietz - This is the first time I've heard someone mention a weighting of depreciation recapture in the first year when utilizing an installment sale.

A Utility & Maintenance Reduction Program is a program that aims to reduce the costs of utilities (such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage) and maintenance (such as repairs and upkeep) for a rental property.

You'll pay insurance and taxes and keep title in your name; tenant is responsible for maintenance and upkeep beyond that.

You need to inspect their present residence, confirming employment, contacting previous landlords to confirm payment etc. 3rd party does not check for any cash for keys bribes previous landlords may have paid or records of late payments, upkeep of their present residence or pets.To screen properly you must do a portion of it yourself. 3rd party should only be to gather credit report, known evictions and criminal.

A good property management company is worth their weight in gold.

Imagine a gym that would only charge it's members based on the amount of weight they lost.

The owner actually wanted to rent his occupied side but didn't want to own anymore because he is out of town for several months a year and doesn't have time for the up keep or to manage the other side. 

I think hardwood may be easier to up keep as they don't stay as much as carpet does.