You already answered some of your own questions about possible profit improvements; it depends on your belief in overcoming the hurdles that will help you decide whether it's worth it.

Read books and listen to podcasts religiously.  

She has 5 rentals and she gets a religious check from the gov.

I have been listening to the podcasts and reading the blogs religiously for about a month now.I am working on networking with like minded people here in my area!

I remember handing my landlord $2,600 cash per semester (and watching my 2 roommates do the same) for a bedroom in an old creaky house which had probably been paid off for at least 20 years.I have now been out of school and in the rat race for a few years now and religiously saving my funds to invest in real estate.

I've been religiously following the BP podcasts and have been educating myself on REI in preparation for my first investment. 

For those of you not familiar with me or my situation, I just started my 1st Flip and have had a very strong belief in doing a lot of the work myself as I feel it is important especially just starting out.  

Mcreia  meets every 2nd Tue at the Comfort Inn off 200 and i-75 at 6:30 .. just show up .. there is no charge for the first vist and plan to go to Denny's afterwards to get to know some members .. kind if a impromptu meeting .. i wish you luck and maybe Ill see you there .. by the way, dont quit your job .. and dont move out quite yet .. unless you have it bad at home .. stay and save but, learn .. maybe offer to do apprentice work on your off hrs and weekends .. or like somebody suggested .. volunteer at habitat .. you may even meet a ex president .. you never know who you might meet that can change your life .. hopefully for the better .. the best thing I have learned over my 46 yrs is, surround your self with the kind of people you want to be .. ie .. good, honest, hard working, religious, investors, smart, funny .. you have to make your own list .. but I myself try to hang out and be friends with  good people that are successful or at least want to be. thats why I like BiggerPockets so much .. just about everyone on here is so focused and kind .. .. be sure to take full advantage of all BP has to offer ..

I have been researching everything for the past month pretty religiously, every day looking for leads and listening to podcasts and researching terms.

You also believe that all the "bad areas" of Baltimore City are the same, which is ridiculous (I grew up there).These two beliefs on your part immediately call into question your knowledge of the city.