Honestly, I should just give it a shot.

Honestly, in San Diego $1,300 is a 500 sq ft Studio.

Honestly, I would look up Right Path Real Estate Education and sign up for one of their classes.

Don't waste your time trying to build those massive lists because its honestly just a waste in most circumstances.

@Benjamin Barredo Jay may have a different thought than I do but I'd be willing to be they have a judgment on them from the construction company and sounds like she honestly did commit fraud. 

I recommend getting a transactional lender on your team and in all contracts put a financing contingency, don't go around like everyone else with the "I buy houses with cash" speil, learn to educate and close the seller and you'll do well.The key is to be upfront and honest and learning sales.

Make sure they also understand what the taxes are going to be like and to be honest, if they can tell you vacancy rates, they are probably lying.

Is the word "ugly" off-putting to potential sellers or does it make people think I might be less than honest?

A system is most definitely needed for wholesaling and honestly needed for almost everything you do when you are trying to become financially independent.

If you do, just make sure you have all paperwork for current leases, sec deposits, from tenants for past 2 years. more than likely you won't have the verification from tenant that says they agree to what's been paid, a Estopple but honestly come hell or high water if you want that building your going to take the opportunity now that gets you the property and deal with any tenant changes that may come up if they remain.