Others invest for appreciation but depending on the market it can be expensive to get your foot in the door.

However, some will charge by room, by square foot, etc.  

I want to get started on the right foot and not become another wannabe that quits after two months

This seems to me the best way to get my foot in the door and do some active learning, while still having the time to dedicate towards my job.  

Buy newer (late 1970s-early 1990s) with larger foot prints and fewer issues with infrastructure like electrical and plumping.

How do you evaluate a renters ability to pay if they have a non working girlfriend and child?

@Kristen SchlueterIf you're getting a late start in life, then I must have one foot in the grave. 

We both graduated college in 2012, work full time, are expecting our first child very soon, and are currently living in our second home.  

First I looked through Probates that "Determine Succession to Real Property"In these, I easily found the info I needed, but all the properties were under 150k in value, which in California means they were all small Land properties.Then I looked at Probates for "Guardianship of Property", but this had to do with an adult overseeing a property where the executor was a child (in one case, they were 1 year-old).

Your scenarios would be to see if they would partner if you bring the land to the table (and I am sure additional incentives) or have them quote a sq foot price to build a spec.