to expand,  we are currently looking for an agent willing to shotgun deals for assignment, and also to be able to help people out of tough situations i.e. per-foreclosures / absentee owners, motivated sellers in general. 

It's tough and you definitely want to begin with a solid foundation of education.

There are some spots that I see having tremendous potential and others that are in a really tough spot. 

I am looking forward to reading your materials as well!

Then ask your clients if you can use their reviews as testimonials on all of your marketing material along with their first/last name, and city.Got to get started on the right foot!

But there is still the cost involved in material and timeIf you do your own maintenance,  then the labor cost is on you.Wood gets scratched up no matter how well you try to refinish it more so that a flooring product that has an AO or double layer of ceramic bead that is factory applied, such as LVT's.

I have day job,  two incredible young kids and wife, small e-commerce business, and a duplex.Life seemed tough this year and I don't want to keep living paycheck to paycheck. 

You can and will find much of the same if not better material on BP for free (YES FOR FREE).

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.You mentioned an interest in wholesaling and as such I added the below linkhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Go to REIA meetings in Salt Lake and feel the person: are they authentic, do their intentions materialize, and are they consistent?