Choice #1: Pay off the mortgage $22,000 + Rehabilitation, which cost about $18,000 (i did research,  and own the property.place the property on section 8 ($2500-$3000 monthly profit).OrChoice  #2: Repair the property which is $18,000(maximum), and just rent the property out to a tenant.

For the majority of them selling with a lease purchase won't work becuase they either need the mortgage out of their name immediately to qualify for a new house or they need the cash for a down payment on a new house.

., you will have to give up 50% to 75% of the profits as the price of your education...but don't forget you're still getting paid for learning. 

The cost variation between major and minor rehabs is too high for an average to have much meaning.

These costs could take your profits if you don't account for them.Best of luck!

But I can't fathom the idea that majority of my pay will go into housing that I don't own so it is also why I decided to start real estate investing buy and hold.

I think honesty and being upfront that you are reselling them to make a profit goes a long way of making it less unethically.

Perhaps for a non-profit? 

simple cash flow properties that will provide some level of profit after all expenses are considered

Vegas could be a difficult place to start, but it could also be very profitable if you buy right.