The prior owner didn't keep it safe and the moment I had the money saved up we redid the flooring (turns out the floor was rotted and that was replaced), tub surround, fixtures, toilet, etc.

I've been reading all about real estate investing for about a year while saving up as much capital as I can. 

He is selling because he is older,. and wants to retire down in Florida.

Proper screening and good condition property should save you a lot of time.

They will cost you more money than save you.

I maintain a high savings rate and have stashed away a large cash reserve.

I have around <10k or more saved. should I continue to save until  I can afford or jump into it?

This would essentially wipe out my savings.

Two years ago I quit my Job in which I worked for 11 years, I invested most of my savings in Single Family Houses, buy, fix and rent and so far is going good.

I know about house-hacking, I guess it’s just a matter of weighing whether we should just get an apartment & save for a duplex, or go ahead & purchase a home & begin building equity in that, & then start buying investment properties after we’ve established our own home.Is there a logical path that you see?