@Luke Morris TamneyI would open a high-interest savings or money market account, specifically for real estate investing, and save it there.

While I wouldn't call it "big boys" - there is a very small world of professional companies dedicated to this super small specific asset class. 

Which specific property type would you recommend when you mentioned "turnkeys"?

You will have to look at Zillow maybe to see what places are LTRing for in the specific area.

It may be quite beneficial to work with a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the specifics of the St.

I understand what motivated sellers are and when you do, you will see that you CAN NOT target them.So I focus all my energy into being the easiest person ALIVE to be found to a very specific audience: People that are willing to sell their house below market value".THAT is how and why my wholesale deals reach 6-figures+ consistently.Want more direction?

I guess were not sure the best route to take and specifically how to take it.

Be sure to ask specific questions and you'll get specific answers. 

What specific steps should a new investor take to make sure distress is only cosmetic and not structural if we have no construction background?

A lot of times, these types of lifestyle choices will start limiting you down very quickly to specific areas, and since you are going to be living in the property, are likely to have a heavy weight on the neighborhoods.