The magic is in the creative vision for the properties optimum potential and then value engineering a path towards accomplishing it. 

There is good advice in this thread but I would also consider adding a vision (few paragraphs) and a plan. 

Typing things out is definitely strengthening my vision. 

Like you, my long term vision is to acquire vacation sites i'm also interested in for personal use.

Love your vision, very similar to mine! 

Without vision it's impossible to be successful.

Obviously, there is a pretty bad stigma attached to north city at the moment, but this might be an excellent opportunity for people with vision.

It's also true that it is easy to raise money in the context of an actual deal, but this will be extremely hard to do if you have not already laid your groundwork first.As soon as you are committed to the course of buying real estate, it's a good idea to start speaking to as many people as possible about your vision and getting soft commitments.  

I intend to flip houses upon graduation in May, and am looking for those in the community who can help me move forward with my vision.

I think the most important thing here is that you've done an excellent job securing a relationship with her, and connecting on that emotional level.There are lots of ways to go about deals like this, and I think there's an opportunity for you to gather even a little more information from her about her vision for her life moving forward, so that you can craft the perfect plan for you both.