Can you remediate mold/foundation/fire damage/alum wiring issues , or any other niche that you can become an expert in?

Keeping within a 20 minute walk to downtown Seattle is a great niche for me and there are so many old houses that could use some love. 

I don't know.It's a niche that could prove to be all you need to do.

There's a ton of information on BP about this niche. 

I am still honing my niche as far as geography, property type, and strategy. 

I think more importantly you should ask yourself, which niche of real estate do I want to get really good at?

This forum appeared multiple times after searching on Google as a good point of reference and it seems to have more people engaged in this niche so I figured I might as well join haha.  

With regards to extreme frugality, if you've ever read any of Grant Cardone's books, he addresses this issue from a unique perspective. 

Each of us is unique and special, indeed, you are special.

Instead buy that and create a niche for themselves in S&L.