She is currently allowing her father to come over in her absence (to let the dog out, let's assume).  

One thing that you do have to factor in (and most people don't) is that you do need to have some kind of reserve for unexpected repair needs. 

Repairs like roof, plumbing, electric  and unexpected utility issues can effect your profit.

Things like a new roof, or unexpected vacancy, or Water heater or appliances.  

When you rehab entry level single family homes, are you providing cable television outlets?

I want to see how an experienced investor navigates this process, and most importantly, to see how they deal with some of the unexpected challenges that I am sure to encounter.If you think this pretty reasonable, then how might you suggest I go about making this kind of pitch, and what would be the best way for me to cold-approach potential "targets," assuming that nobody in my personal SOI is keen on it?

My guess is that what you'll find is:  annual occupancy is less than you think it is (don't be shocked if it's 50%), you make the majority of your money in about 1/4 of the year, there may be months with zero income, and (relative to SFRs or multifamily) you have unexpected expenses like satellite TVs, internet, periodic new bedsheets, etc.  

If you are using hard money you need to budget for the points and fees as well as traditional third party closing fees.Repairs: The money it is going to take you to rehab the property plus an extra 10% of estimated repair costs to account for unexpected repairs.Holdings Costs: Here is where a lot of investors get tripped up.

You are one unexpected expense away from being in a bad way.Based upon your mention that your income is inconsistent, your need for cash reserves is very important in my opinion.We are all anxious to get that first house to get started in making money but let's remember that this is about building wealth and achieving financial freedom.  

I just worry that if you don't have $2000 cash there won't be any money for any other unexpected expenses?