If we didn't have that connection, I'd just post an add on CL, list the skills you need and see what happens!    

We will just agree to disagree, but I will add one last note: there aren't any "blue states", only blue "areas", highly correlated with urbanism.

I once rented a house from a guy that had a falling down screen porch, one of those add on jobs.

You're right that there is no value-add on that one.

Is that why the costs are so high (the GC will add on quite a bit to the price)?  

Obviously debt=risk, but add on top of that a property that isn't fit to buy cash, that seems like more risk then is necessary for a beginner.

@Kody Thompson thanks for the reply!

In this entire thread, there are some really good ideas about the investing part so the only thing I will add on that note is Airbnb.

and for that he makes 4% and the owner pays the on site manager as an employee  so there is no leasing fee's or any of the other add on's its one of the benefits of owner larger B class and above..

This is not a costly add on to a project, and usually ends up on the list once a home inspector does his walk through.