It's only a stepping stone to break free.While you are slaving, eat ramen, roommate up or live in trailer, avoid Starbucks and tuck every dollar you can squeeze out into a bank account. need 20% down and money for materials. so for 80K home (trashed), you will want 35K banked to get started, just a rough idea.Then, get pre-approved.

If not, what are better alternatives? 

They should have no alternative interest than a fiduciary duty (your best interest) to you, especially on your first deal.

I have installed floors, wired fixtures, mixed and poured concrete, installed roofing material, cut tile, installed siding and more. 

I read the BRRRR book by David Greene, along with other materials from the Renatus group, and advice from a couple agents, but I still can’t seem to find where to look for properties.Any advice on where to look, what to do, or what software’s are out there that would help?

Are there any alternative strategies I can use to get a hold of these people?

There may be a slight difference in the cost/quality of materials you put in one over the other.

A sometimes quicker cheaper alternative is the cash for keys approach.

Before leaving they unfortunately stole my refrigerator, concrete patio set, fire extinguishers, extra materials for home, and any closet component they could get their hands on.

As @Michael Ablan mentioned, depending on your state regs (places where rent increases aren't regulated so heavily) the general rule of thumb that I use when increasing rents is this:1-5% increase: keeps up with inflation and generally not enough to force a tenant to move.6-10% increase: tenants will start to weigh alternatives and will consider moving.