I first started out in Real Estate by house hacking in college. 

Purchase price: $499,990 5 bed 3 bath split level house in Hyattsville, 1875 sq ft

Or once I finish building the house and get the C.O.?

Starting with house hacking is a smart move, especially in a higher-cost area.

I have a 5 bedroom 2 bathroom house.

Another option is house hacking—buying a small multi-unit, living in one, and renting the rest to cut costs.

House needs some Interior Cosmetic Work, Wood Fence Repairs and some Plumbing Work.I want to turn and run, but I recently heard where there is a Problem, there is Opportunity.I thought this might be an interesting Case Study.Thanks for the Ideas.If they owe $180k on a $210k property and its a year+ behind then they probably owe taxes and other bills as well.

High demand for Section 8 housing.

I would focus on a strategy and you and your brother like (Do you want day to day management of a house flip?

House hack is the only option but even that might not be feasible.