I am open minded and open to any suggestions or tips anyone may have for someone taking their first steps.

Take a look at some of the suggestions below:Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Personally, I'd suggest you look at 4-family if its in your price range as that will give you the sweet spot where you can start seeing a decent return.

My inspector suggested I insulate the crawl space of the home as it is where the furnace is located; however, it is an older (but functional) unit that will eventually be moved to the attic once it dies.

I don't know if you are interested in wholesaling or some other aspect of real estate, but in any case, my suggestion is a good one.

My first suggestion is to educate yourself.  

Take a look at some of the suggestions below:Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Sears outlet was going to be my suggestion as well.

I suggest checking into portfolio lenders.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this situation, or any lenders they can recommend that would look at this from a holistic approach?