Ideally - you would like to have a chat with your advisor when you acquire and sale a property.There are a couple CPA's here on Biggerpockets who you can interview with and see if you would be a good fit.

I am brand new to real estate investing, and this is my first time analyzing a deal here on Bigger Pockets, (and first time posting on a forum). 

The description of the property condition you've given coupled with decades of ownership smells like potential neglect to me. 

I've just tried a couple, but didn't have any success.

A couple months ago I bought a duplex in the Northside area off of the Main St Metro Rail (convenient 5 min transport to downtown).

Check the short term vacation rental options in the area- Extended Stay America, Airbnb, VRBO etc. and undercut them initially to ensure you can build reviews and a brand. 

I have taken the advice of many and started to post a couple times about my RE wins on both IG and FB.  

It is not that easy to become rich in couple years.

I heard a story a couple of years ago about a lady who cash out refi'ed $100k out of a free and clear rental around 2004 for personal expenses. 

I have read the very helpful BP posts from @MikeHartzog @DionDePaoli and @DaveVanHorn and others to get familiar with the process, but now that I'm executing a transaction I find that I need clarity/guidance about a couple of the next steps .