It's always good to support local businesses, right?

And since you don't do wholesaling I wonder how relevant your results would be in this line of the business. 

I like the idea of dealing with just one person and having them manage all the trades.

Just getting into real estate and was wondering about if it is a good idea to wholesale. use the money as down payments and take those properties and set them up as lease option?

They may suggest staining it or just cleaning it and leaving it.Generally speaking, it is not a great idea to get a tenant to do things especially if they ask you for reduced rent to do it. 

My business partner and I are looking to start invest there but do not have any contacts.

Or are holes after move-out just part of the cost of doing business?

They might make you open some things up and it will likely cost you (really depends on how strict your municipality is, I would ask someone there for a better idea.)

Waiting a year might not be a bad idea versus pulling the trigger sooner and having to pay to refinance later.Also realize it may be tough starting off as a 17 year old.  

Of course averaging $6k/mo during busy season, and $3k/mo off season, it doesn't matter much to me.