We even downgraded some things (concrete floors, rather than doing actual flooring) and saved money on things like that.

Based on your posting the damage seems to be extensive, especially since it’s affecting the structure of the home such as a floor beam, sill plate and subfloors.It appears there is active termites as well as a beetle issue and both must be resolved before repairs can de done.You didn’t mention home value, just purchase price so it’s difficult to say what to do from this point.At a minimum, I would have the termites and beetles dealt with and get a bond from the termite company to cover the first year for more treatment.Also, have a licensed contractor give you a repair estimate.

Some are free, some might have a fee, but still worth saving you time and obviously getting things done that you would not be able to do otherwise.This is a good website/directory that lists all the real estate offices by county NETROnline.com - click on Public Records Online Directory.

I am on step one for saving $25,000.

I want to save up so I can hopefully buy and flip my first house... but thought wholesaling might be a good start

Then I make a "I'm here to save you offer".

Doing a few wholesaling deals, will give you the funds to clear up your debts, save some money as reserve, and then leverage to borrow more money in the future if you want to fix and flip or buy and hold.Research "wholesaling real estate" in BP, YouTube, Blogs, etc.I love wholesaling.

These are all questions that I need to answer and account for before I start trying to predict what is going to happen to the market.Lastly, the individuals giving you advice probably have their entire life savings tied up in the stock market. 

The same goes with a note, if they stop paying, you need to get it resolved. 

Next is better rates as owners get more favorable rates that save you money over the life of the loan.