Since your parents seem open to your involvement, I would start start small. 

Per this NY Times article, the average American knows around 600 people.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/science/the-average-american-knows-how-many-people.html#:~:text=The%20average%20American%20knows%20about,do%20you%20know%20named%20Kevin%3FPer the US Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 time in their life, which based upon an approximate lifespan of 84 years, works out to be about every 7 years.https://www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html#:~:text=Using%202007%20ACS%20data%2C%20it,one%20move%20per%20single%20yearSo, if the average American knows 600 people and they each move about every 7 years, that means that the average American knows around 85 people that move in any given year.How many of those moves do you want to be involved in?

(most hard money loans require 10-15% down depending on the split between purchase price and rehab). but that is both (1) risky and (2) expensive, as you're paying interest every month on 100% of the borrowed funds. private money is fine, you're just bearing a lot of risk and also involving the relationship in your very first deal. 

I’d love to connect with investors who are experienced in flipping, renting, or managing properties—especially those in or close to the New Jersey area.If you’re involved in property management, real estate investing, or anything related, I would appreciate any advice or mentorship you can offer.

Quote from @Todd Anderson: @Benjamin Ying,First off Congrats at making the decision to get started into REI and getting involved with BP. 

While I haven't done new construction as an investor, I've been involved with them on the design and construction side. $15-$20,000 seems like a very small profit on a $500,000 house.

As an investor, I value an agent coming to me with deals based on their in depth knowledge of the real estate landscape, networking, connections, and additional information they might be privy to. 

Now, if they don't want to do that for whatever reason and don't have anybody to work with who would do that for you, I'd have to agree with you that they'd better invest at home rather than getting involved in something they don't understand.

Added a bathroom and remodeled existing.Opened kitchen to diningNew roof, driveway, windows and mechanicalsRefreshed landscaping, hardwood floors and paintWhat was the outcome?

The apt is on the 2nd floor and the furnace is in the attic.I will talk to the heating contractor about setting up a floor temp ( might involve installing a 2nd t-stat as a couple people suggested).