I have a great credit score and I am willing to do some of the minor contracting work (painting, retiling and landscaping) by myself as I don’t have a family and I am currently house hacking with other lieutenants and I’m essentially only paying 300 dollars or so to live in my house every month while still paying equity on my mortgage.

No matter what you choose to do always do your research including evaluation and inspection. 

Help to paint?  

My main concern would be the vacancy between tenants, and cost associated with a tenant moving out like paint and cleaning.   

See the Zillow link for the property below; interior is only 2,000 sq. ft not 2,556 (2,556 includes the garage)https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/600-N-13th-Ave-...Work for this house would include turning it into a 3/3 while leaving the existing 2 car garage, 3 brand new bathrooms, remove the wall separating the kitchen from family room, refinish and/or replace kitchen cabinets (countertops will be reused), replace all exterior doors and windows with new impact glass, new HVAC system with duct work, minor electrical (high hats, new fixtures, inspection repairs), paint, new casing/baseboard, and maybe new interior doors. 

I’m still very new to real estate so my question is if I’m qualified to invest in real estate or if should choose a different vehicle to invest in. appreciate your response.

You choose your tenants.

What target list did you choose for your first mailing?

An uninsured worker that gets hurt on your property or a contractor digging up a gas line with a back hoe or disposing of toxic chemicals like paint or solvents into an environmentally sensitive area can result in a huge liability that can easily exceed the value of the property.

Try @Brian Schmelzlen.If he does not work out for you - you can really choose any tax pro in this forum.