In general what should I think of as the minimum downpayment and can I contact any lender to get it, eg should I just look for highly rated brokers in my area or should I go directly to organizations like Penfed or a local bank or credit union?

A re-organization bankruptcy is the exception.

You should be able to get by with 2 coats unless the sheetrock is new(unprimed) or the previous color was very dark.Labor should be on the low end as painting is considered to be low skill work.

For me the most important skills to work on are evaluating the ARV, evaluating the rehab costs, estimating what your holding costs are going to be, creating many personal connections with other real estate professionals through networking, making offers, managing renovation projects and negotiating with sellers.Unless you have already mastered these skills I believe they are more important than learning how to renovate with your hands.  

This might also get you some skills that will pay better in the long run.

I'm in Canton and have a good network of contractors and skilled workers in the area because of our own rehabs and through our property management company.I see you are in Roswell, but I'm uncertain where the house you are rehabbing is located.

I'm in the early stages, but I think we might have some complementary skills/assets.

Fun topic.Do some spec building of duplexes and sfrs, our market has not recovered enough yet but I've been buying lots...Turn a large piece of land 20+ acres into an organic farmBeachfront vacation rental in Florida.

My organization/lead management could use some work.

You'll also need a skilled lending attorney to ensure the origination was done properly and that the paperwork is flawless.