If you really want to jump into Real Estate, I would encourage you to start by Wholesaling.

The love and encouragement is greatly appreciated!!!!

I am always looking for a similar situation and it's encouraging to hear someone else making it work.

This was an amazing and invaluable learning experience for me and encouraged me to continue my learning.About 2 months after closing on the first deal I moved on to a solo deal for about twice the price of the first one which was brought to me by the realtor who sold the listing mentioned above.

I follow you closely on biggerpockets so having a seasoned vet like yourself throw in a comment is encouraging.

However he has encouraged us to do so on occasion when we let him know about things falling into repair.

It's purpose it to encourage you to ignore your screening standards.

So if you are willing to make adjustments to make this be a single family home that will be rental and you are an experienced contractor - then you should be able to get a construction loan on that type of a property.I would encourage you to go attend some of the local real estate investor groups in your area to see who some good lending sources are.  

A 3/2 is easier to resell if you get sick of the property and opens it up to more possible tenants, but also costs more to buy, contracts your possible market somewhat by being more expensive, and encourages rentals with kids, which you cannot prohibit but will tend to do more damage to a unit than a single person or childless couple. 

I was so emotional and just wanting to liquidate his entire estate as quickly as possible that I just didn't think I was up to the challenge of rehabbing a 60 year old house that needed massive repairs to the tune of $100,000 or so.I had the cash and the house was totally paid off but,I just didn't have the courage to deal with contractors that would see a goof like me coming and take me to school.No one around me encouraged me to seek out advice and help from experienced investors and just told me to sell it and be grateful.I threw away a house that would have been worth $500,000 after rehab and fully paid off!!!!