Have you considered farm ground you can rent the ground out and the building site as additional income.

So knowing the area lot rents helps with income and expenses related to the park infrastructure are important; maintaining roads, grounds, amenities (pools, clubhouses, etc).

While you're in the learning/networking maybe phase see if you can get a job helping out in some trades type work with an investor who flips properties instead of washing dishes.  

My agent and I have been discussing a scenario where we approach or submit an unsolicited offer to the builder for a lower price with the basement unfinished (Ie; insulation installed phase). 

Whatever your policy, make sure it's in the lease.In our apartment complexes, we do pay for the landscaping and maintenance of grounds. 

I've learned a lot from forums, podcasts, books, investor assoc. meet-ups, etc, however I would like more on the ground field experience and there's always more to learn from someone with far more experience than me, if they're willing.

Do you recommend getting flood insurance on a ground unit condo?

Because your two properties are in close proximity, when you get to the underwriting phase of the refi, the lender is going to ask you to sign an Owner Occupant Affidavit stating you will move into the property within 60 days of closing the loan, and occupy the property for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.After the 12 months in the property, if you two prefer the other property better, move into your house, and turn her property into a rental.    

I've been in the educational phase for the past few months and I've been bit by the analysis paralysis bug.

Keep your ear to the ground, listen for the opportunities.Real estate can be CONTROLLED without money if you're smart enough to apply simple controlling formulas.