I understand it may be a unique situation with our community but I wanted to share with the OP as well.

I hope that getting my license first will help me bring something to the table when it comes time to find a mentor.

Should be easy to grab an outside table with a small group and we can then talk about creating a meetup and the next steps.  

As I stated before everyone needs to be able to identify what they can bring to the table to make something happen.

Just tell the ladies at the front table that I invited you. to your success.  

Following rules generally apply:it has to be an all cash purchase, meaning that no debt can be brought to the table. 

Also, are there any inclement weather problems unique to that part of the country that damage properties, like tornadoes?

If you accept the $26k drop, see if the buyer can either bring more cash to the table, or if they have more then a 3.5% down payment, ask them to instead apply that cash over 3.5% to a higher purchase price.

I would just get the basics: sofa, coffee table, a set of pots and pans, dishes from a local discount store.  

Yes you can refi with a very few HML's but you will be leaving alot of money on the table with their higher, much higher interest rates.Maybe go ask one of these people telling you not to get a job to help you out in REI!