Have you read The Ultimate Beginner Guide on this site?

First check out the  Ultimate Free Beginners GuideThen learn the tax sale process in your state.

Yet SOH is here to stay and should be factored into the decision to buy a home that you can claim as your homestead vs continuing to rent one where ultimately you the tenant pay the landlord's larger and faster-growing property tax bill.Today my home would conservatively rent for $1,700 as a 3/2, and perhaps $2,100 total if split into a 2/1 and 1/1.

Check out the Ultimate Free Beginners Guide as well as other resources under the education tab above.

I'm active duty and born and raised in Baltimore as well.To start I recommend checking out the Ultimate Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing.

The time is now where you can push forward and be determine, dedicated, and motivated for the ultimate goal to finally be completed.

I have had tenants install window units incorrectly which allowed the condensate to build up inside the window and ultimately cause drywall damage below.

I highly suggest that you take a look at - The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Wholesaling

Even if it ultimately means making the hardest one.

@Rob Gervais  Getting some 3D Renderings and basic floor plans with details could help communicate your thoughts to the GC which would ultimately save you money and also could help you get through the permit process.