If you have structural issue or are re-designing the property you could have one pull a building permit. 

. § 1.263(a)-3(e)(2)(ii)(B):1) Heating ..... and otherI was interpreting that DMSH can be applied to each system because regs does says that improvement rules should applied to each system separately as well, but I also know that the amount paid is considered an improvement to a building if the amount paid results in an improvement to the building structure or to any of the designated building systems.

After reading it you may want to add or delete whatever you fell comfortable with.

Frank, Anthony & Colleen....thank you very much for that info, yes I will seek out some real estate investors' groups...I was looking mainly in the Brown University area, spread out as far as Yale....but need to tour the  New Haven area and feel comfortable with the ride and/ or have a trustworthy contractor/handyman.I have been to East Providence scoping the area, but need more intimate conversations with local investors.  

I make a comfortable living and easily support myself and young family and am able to save some money to invest on a regular basis.

Make your parents proud and turn this good fortune into a blessing Don't go investing in China, a syndication or anything else for that matter until you are comfortable. 

How comfortable are you with the area it is in?

The Columbus market is extremely competitive and deals are hard to come by...It's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.Here is a good resource: https://columbusregion.com/market-research/rankings-and-accolades/

The live in flips and house hacking can get challenging if you and your wife are already comfortable in a nice house (especially if you have kids). 

Unfortunately, the areas you're targeting are a bit beyond my expertise/comfort level.