Be careful to do as much research as possible and to not overshare, if you know what I mean. 

If you drive for dollars, maybe negotiate with a family member for a cut of any deals they make.

In a perfect world: (in no particular order): Square/rectangular shape, 1-story, open floor plan, lower pitched roof fully trussed, slab on grade monolithic foundation, 24 o.c framing everywhere, T1-11 plyw. siding, minimal windows, minimal doors, minimal trim, minimum code electrical/HVAC/plumbing, carpet everywhere, avoid tile, laminate countertops, Home Depot cabinets, basic fixtures and appliances, no fencing, no trees or old stumps, minimize landscaping, minimize driveways and walkways, forget pavers, cleared flat lot, no fill, utility hookups available in front of house and best case they are aleady tapped, inspectors are easy to work with and pass everything the 1st time, subs show up when they need to and actually care.

I only own a few properties and I'm expanding slowly and carefully.

No one cares if you become an RE investor or not.

You could ask your accountant if taking that hit in taxes would help take care of some potential capital gains taxes.

Guess I'd just have to be careful the county doesn't find out what I'm doing ;) Guess we'll see what happens. 

After filling it with my purchased items a couple times it was pretty much a normal rehab.If it's a listing, you could try to find a cleanout company that will agree to be paid out of escrow, or there are lending programs that offer home renovation loans to fix up homes to be sold.Be careful working with wholesalers as an agent.

The street cut went about 1/3 of the way across the street so it must have been a fairly large repair.The home is not in a flood zone and all the sheetrock has been removed.

And, it isn't nearly as clear cut as Arlington as to where those are.