@Patrick Orah Specific to your difficulty in finding a handy-person, have you tried using services such as Angi or Thumbtack to source some based on reviews of their previous work within their community? 

You need an inflow of cash from an outside source into this situation to work for everyone.

I am using Facebook and another roommate finder app to source for roommates.

For example, my little town has two food banks.

Most landlords like to see job stability and you being the main source of income having a brand new job will be of concern to many landlords.

A call to a town building department, or an internet search should answer that for you.2) I have found The Journal of Light Construction to be an excellent source of information.

Do you have a good source to find on and off market properties?

If youre AGI is over $100k-$150k you can deduction a more limited amount of those lossesIf your AGI is above $150k you can not deduct any losses, they CAN offset other passive income sources if you have them, or they carry to the next year and will do so until you are in a position to use them. 

Just food for thought.

I would love to connect with anyone willing to share some prospective on: 1) The MFH market in Charlotte (including the surrounding area)2) Where to source the best deals3) Common pitfalls to watch out for4) Agents and brokers who specialize in sourcing deals for investors5) Anything anyone else one would find helpful when investing in CharlotteThanks!