We have paid the credit cards down by (under 29% usage) in hopes to post his score but its still in the low 600's.

In my opinion it is fairly low risk but high return.

@Malia Irvine I suggest you read the " The Book On Investing in Real Estate with No and Low Money Down" It was written by Brandon Turner.

It can be $100 to $500 an hour or more (New York ;-) Anyway, you need a basic attorney service (closings, reading contracts, advice) so it should be on the low end for your area.

This part is confusing because I'm in talks with LOWES, who will either finance or take draws from the lender, for a huge portion of the rehab.

. -- Short/medium term low cost of living and long term passive income.--  Pursue art full time within the next 3-7 years. 

Note: most older shower heads use 2.5 gpmThis will drastically  reduce water consumption.The last and most expensive option is to replace toilets to low flow models.

I just personally hate chain link and associate it with low class neighborhoods. 

High credit score with low income is useless. 

In the event you are looking to buy with the end buyer's money... meaning not bringing funds to closing, I think the odds of finding an NC attorney to perform this NC Bar violating function are low, maybe zero.