competition for reos is getting intense here for a 75-80k house what would you put down?

I wouldn't contemplate a project in Raleigh, personally, but have talked to planning departments in Onslow, Columbus, and other less 'intense' counties.

They say they will coach for 16 weeks intensively and provide me with everything I need to make my first sale and keep going, any thoughts?

Screening must be thoroughly followed to get what basically are the best of the worst.Bottom line is , more intensive management, lower standards (tenant and landlord) more damage, arrogant entitlement attitude, collection issues and vacancies.Set your business model accordingly and money can defiantly be made but you must set lower standards for your tenants and yourself.

Lots of new hotels being built along I30, the primary buildings have gone up at the Texas A&M Texarkana campus, I hear Division 1 or 2 college basketball team or games are coming to the city.

Imagine 7% of 600K and that is a intense number in comparison.

Telling a man that could be your grandfather that he is no longer needed is very intense.

My plan is to use a BRRRR strategy, but I am planning to start with easier properties upfront (BRRRRlite I guess) and work my way up to more rehab intensive properties.

I have seen many a mom and pop landlord do very very well in smaller less intense pressure areas.  

Yes -- they're not as time-intensive.