Being a newbie at this, I have to start somewhere and get my feet wet, right?

Had similar situation with a tenant, not as bad but close, and they flooded their entire unit when their child decide to throw 30 wet wipes down the toilet.

Maybe see if you can partner with someone and take a small share of the profit to get your feet wet

Since I'm a complete novice, I'm looking for SFH or small MF, preferably turn key with good cash flow to get my feet wet (also open to light renovations). 

Pictures and listing text won't show you a failing roof, soil pipe, wet basement that is currently dry, etc.

I would scrub like crazy with a wet mop only to still have dirty feet/socks shortly after. 

I am looking to get my feet wet in real estate. being a new investor I don't want to get to risky as I am prone to make mistakes with my limited knowledge. anyone have any ideas on how to get started?

I would suggest that you jump into some local meetups, get connected with local investors and real estate agents who can help you on your path to running numbers and getting your feet wet on actually knowing more of a good hard cost for rehabs. 

I would have done a  JV with a partner who is experienced and you would bring the cash and he the experience and the connections to get my feet wet

located in a wet area on the coast of northern California.