The contractor sent me an email stating they will come out and look at the stuff as they "can't tell" from my images and list what the issues are... right.

Then it finally hit me that someone had been using it as some sort of multi family setup. 

Being a college student, you do not need to show two years of previous employment history, as being a student trumps any sort of required employment (you may have to provide transcripts).

I'd think the chances are good that most everyone in real  estate can pluck out some good information that could yield  savings many times over the cost of a book.That takes me back to see an accountant sort of, the more you know and understand the cheaper professional services might be.

Probably has lower property taxes for one, but my image of Bartlett is that it is a slightly lower income area, compared to east Memphis or Cordova.

That sort of analysis helps put things into perspective when I am balancing different options.

Your advice here will help tremendously as I sort through various loan options. 

Not impossible but definitely difficult to sort out.

@Chris Mason I did house hack my place in Tucson with a 3.5% down FHA loan, so it is possible, but I had to jump through all sorts of hoops and it was a pocket listing that I was offered.

Ideally, I'm looking for a situation that I could work side by side with a seasoned investor/contractor in exchange for some sort of profit split.