@Tim GilmanIt sounds like you have already done quite a bit right and are well ahead of other people your age.Your questions are good and complex and it is difficult to provide the best advice without seeing your total picture.  

IMHO, a rent to own can work but you can't rush credit repair and you can't change bad habits over night.  

Given the roof and maintenance issues, you may not want to rush into these without thorough due diligence just to save on taxes - capital items could potentially eat away any tax savings.  

Most flippers I've spoken with lost on their 1st deal but that might be because they went ahead with limited tools in their tool belt. 

Good luck on your first purchase and your journey ahead!

Hey, First forum post so thanks ahead of time for taking time to read it.

I wouldn't rush to replace the electrical unless it is really needed.

You're already in a great area for passive income, which puts you a step ahead of other new investors.If you have an idea already of the type of investment you're looking to get into, I'd recommend adding some progressively specific keyword alerts so you know if anyone starts talking about your holy grail of niche, market, provider, etc.

You won't get ahead working in that job but you will get clearer focus and learn the subject.Another idea, buy that note you mentioned and simply observe the process, you will learn a lot. 

If you are able to see through guru BS and apply some common sense and critical thinking to trust but verify rather than blindly believing anyone who will tell you what you want to hear, you are WAY ahead of the game already my friend.