Does anyone have a system they use to filter through the endless available markets and narrow down your options to something a bit more manageable?

You need a firm estimate for the remainder of the work as your funds are limited (like most people who don't have an endless amount of money). 

There really isn't any way around understanding RE, this really isn't a check list type business since there are endless variations, alternatives and concerns that are unique.

People who can see the endless cycle of homeowners wasting away under their debt because they don't understand how much they are paying to mortgage interest and promote the idea as an easy way to keep their extra income going toward getting them out of debt / saving money.

So in 5 years you have the money back and endless cash flow for the future.Your numbers fail to take in account several things.

That way, if I do not have a buyer at the contract price, I can come back in two weeks and say I have a buyer at $X, would they consider lowering their price.It helps that I do actually buy houses for cash and am able to say that, and add that not every house fits my profile, plus I don't have an endless bucket of free cash to buy every house.

Then you figure out the right marketing after spending endless amount of money pulling lists and crafting the correct mail piece.

I've seen folks buy $40K and $50K properties in Rust Belt cities and have endless management and rehab issues.

Time ManagementReal estate can consume all your time with endless tasks—client meetings, marketing, and paperwork.

You do not want to expose yourself to the unnecessary (and endless) liability of hiring unlicensed workers for what you're describing as full home renovations.