It is a question of opportunity cost. 

Understand Closing Costs: Be prepared for closing costs, which can be 2-5% of the purchase price.7.

But I've also had something going on in my personal life that have brought me down a couple of days after Christmas... and That's also when I basically made a decision of cutting down my usual social events and fully focus on RE for now.

Though it might be naive, I was thinking of a buy and renovate project that would cost between 150k and 200K.Any recommendations and/or resources towards this goal would be greatly appreciated.

I want to do the most cost-effective plan for the house.

Financing with the HVAC company usually comes with hefty costs and interest rates.

Caveat being that rehab costs would be extremely high relative to ARV.

Protection from Nursing Home Costs: They also mentioned concerns about Uncle Sam taking my assets to cover nursing home costs.

Cost for the flooring job was $4,100 start to finish. 

Also the outside will need the shrubs to bet cut, a good power washing, etc.