If you're comfortable enough to get within 10-15% of what it's actually going to cost, you probably don't need to get a GC out there right away and you can wait until after you're under contract to get actual hard bids from GC's.  

Stay as close to downtown as you can afford.  

I've taken the time to get pretty comfortable and understand all the processes with wholesaling.

I am an electrician by trade and own a 1916 home myself so the commonly frightening buzzwords such as "knob and tube", "plaster walls", and "asbestos tiles" don't carry quite the same weight with me but it will be nice to have someone who is as objective as possible.If you feel comfortable answering, could you share what you budget for repairs on these older properties?

Great our REI community is staying connected !

Rent the bottom floor to a commercial tenant and second floor to another tenant and I stay on the top floor.

If you get a chance to add a pic to your account I think it will help make others in the community feel more comfortable reaching out to you. 

We stayed on air mattresses at a friends house.

I read a few articles on there every morning.Great way to stay up to date of the potential hot areas.

And stay patient.