With so many houses for sale around town its seems overwhelming and very hard to know if you actually have a deal worth pursuing.

It will take a LOT of work on your part but if you understand the power of partnering on deals with a knowledgeable investor, the learning curve will be shortened considerably.

(As someone who has done a lot of selling in his lifetime I understand NLP and the power of the spoken word, I simply am doing the upmost to be honest and capable of follow through with them.) 

Ultimately, I understand the power of networking and how much it means to a business, especially in real estate.

Protect and build your credit.Right now I highly recommend you explore the forums (it may be overwhelming at first, no worries no rush!)

Sounds like a fun problem to have, though I imagine a bit overwhelming if you have no experience with real estate to start from.What you do *really* depends on whether you aspire to be a real estate investor ... or not.  

After meeting with the builder a few times, this project does seem to be overwhelming for a newbie but I'm also thinking of the possibilities once its completed.  

I have contacted several wholesalers to bring me properties,  because I don't think I have the skills or staying power to market for distressed properties.

You need to teach some how to paint, but it really isn't that risky or difficult. things not to hire unskilled workers to do: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, granite, basically anything that requires power tools.

Take your timeI agree determine your niche NetworkI'm currently reading " Second Chance " by Rich Dad Poor Dad <-Take your time " Knowledge is the new Power " per Rich Dad Poor Dad author