In addition the majority of the not so experienced are either out of state (OOS) or planning on going OOS.So I am not recommending against going to the San Diego BP social as much as 1) setting an expectation 2) suggesting you may want to go to a meetup maybe associated with an RE investor club.BTW there used to be a near monthly BP Meetup at various RE investment properties. 

I would suggest auction.com.

Your suggestions were very helpful. 

Any suggestions would be fantastic! 

I always suggest Jeff Laird, Fidelity National Title.   

Any suggestions on how this should be worded?

If it's an SFR you could technically get a HomeStyle reno loan on it, but that would be a lot of closing costs and other nonsense just for an extra $5k.I'd suggest credit cards or other unsecured borrowed funds -- get it done quick and sell it quick to pay it off. 2nd best might be some sort of equity deal with another investor who has $5k to invest. 

I suggest that you first get your Texas Real Estate License.. 

I suggest put your emotions and your plan aside for a minute, be clinical and counter the offer with your preferred price. 

What book suggestions do you have on home improvement/DIY rehab?