I plain to sell 2 lots, rent 1 for $185.00 a month for a trailer, put a 8x40 storage pod on another and rent it for $150 a month But my big idea is to donate one to Habitat for humanity. 

That being said, knowing how to swing a hammer is valuable as well but the basics can be learned in time, you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity builds, this will not only get you exposed to construction, but help you network with key people, many of the volunteers you meet  are generally business people, like bankers,  attorneys, and business owners, you can always pick up helper work on the side and work on a small crew doing remodel jobs, this will build experience as well. being a union carpenter (i hate unions) will earn you a living, but it sounds like a job and a paycheck is not what your after, take my advice for the price you paid for it, but as a full time investor, i can tell you working in the REO Brokerage side for 10 years, that was way more value than being a carpenter. 

I know what you mean about having an "E" mindset...You are a skilled electrician, so in your retired life, maybe volunteer that skill at church, overseas, or Habitat for Humanity?

You may find some simple finishes cheap at Habitat for Humanity RE Store for example and use reasonable contractors by getting more than one estimate...

I'd get to know your habitat re-store and check in regularly in order to keep your materials budget low.

Also, joined my local Habitat volunteer program to contribute a bit to the needy as well as myself can become a good handyman to DIY majority of home repairs in my future rentals/house-flips.I live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Habitat Restore.

Habitat Charlotte offers you  a decent amount of opportunities to get yourself a 1st hand experience of different aspects in a typical new home construnction / flipping/s.  

Don't want to go towards the Edgewood market so Aberdeen Md  IMO is a market that has potential future growth and there is always the need for housing with the Army base there (until at which time Congress decides to close it) I have actually volunteered with Habitat in rehabbing houses below the tracks and I agree with your assessment. 

Try Habitat for Humanity ReStore