I'll definitely have to do some more research.

But from further research on how wholesalers do business, I have realized that the house hacking method (FHA 203B, 203k...etc) is not ideal when dealing with a wholesaler.

I would research rents for the area looking at inventory levels for similar properties if there are others available.If it has been on the market a long time, there is a reason. 

I could be wrong, but its worth you doing some research on.

The way I see it is that you have to do more research on the couple and as for double the deposit. 

My advice is to after doing initial research and understanding the market take action.

I have done enough research to know that it may be wise to invest money that gets a higher rate of return than my mortgage interest paid, but that's the extent of my knowledge at this point.

Then if you have left over money after that, I would look at investing it in index funds at vanguard (stocks/bonds) and learn the basics of that.Then after all that, I would spend another 6-12 months (you could start this now if you have time) researching and studying real estate.  

While doing research with wholesaling I have did hundreds of direct mails, hundreds of cold calls and several bandit signs.

Make sure to do your research bc there may be a very good reason they have been on the market that long.