If anything try and wholesale the deal or bring in experienced partners.

As wholesaling is not my cup of tea. 

I wouldn’t worry to much about the rehab cost unless your inexperienced.

Just to warn you, some of them don't like to deal with inexperienced investors because it takes so much longer to complete a loan.

From my experience, if you want to put in lowball offers, especially a lot of them, it is best to work with a buyer's agent ot a hungry inexperienced real estate agent.Maybe you can try someone else.

What would you recommend for someone who's inexperienced? 

I'm a licensed but inexperienced broker and own a small portfolio of STR's but I don't have any experience with a rehab.

A massive amount of competition with many inexperienced investors in the market is causing all of these properties to sell for above list price in many cases if not most.3  Again, this is a personal preference I believe.

Any other reading suggestions and the order in which to read them would be greatly appreciated.Would love to meet with anyone in the area for coffee/tea or even a meal. 

For example we added new siding/windows on one (cost $3500) & they re-assessed us from $28,000 to $68,000 (& we pay $50/$1000).the taxes on our personal residence run over $925 a month & my BIL pays $1200 a month & our home is 2x size, but he admits he has a bloated school system :) & to think you guys had a revolution over a little old Tea tax!!!