It's very entertaining.

It might be helpful to narrow down your options by focusing and researching for markets with strong rental demand, growing job markets, and property prices that fit within your budget.

Even sports touts with their huge failure rate and constant churn still have positive reviews and references.These low budget scams do not present like Madoff.

I’m over here on Big Island, up in the Kohala coast, and it offers some resort areas too on the sunny western side similar to Ko Olina on Oahu.So things to consider are:- Which Island- Your budget- Will you be financing or paying cash?  

I would look for a 5 bedroom if it is within your budget.

In Phoenix, a 1996 build is practically brand new when compared to a WWI-era home in Cleveland or Pittsburgh or some other Midwest or East coast city.While I agree that older homes come with more problems, buying something newer may not work as the price will be higher and won't cash flow as well.I'm of the mindset to buy what fits your budget and investment goals.

Also, having a rehab budget already laid out with explanations on how you got the numbers would help and is definitely a plus when I look at deals even though I typically wont use their numbers it at least shows a little more effort. 

Besides putting together the best SOW using accurate/actual quotes as @Peter Mckernan and @Alan Asriants commented above, another key aspect is tracking expenses (bookkeeping) and monitoring the budget throughout the project. 

If pool in ground is not an option or not in your budget, a quality above ground one could be a good route to go.I would definitely make sure you have an appropriate coverage.

Contractors can give you ballpark quotes on the spot, which will tighten up your budget.