Price seems high but no data there.Certainly a better use than paying taxes if you have the cash. 

That's how I find my tenants and get higher rates than on FF.With Airbnb and VRBO, what do you use for the background and credit check? 

I feel the Bowie/Upper Marlboro area offer great value for flipping and/or rentals because the costs are lower yet you can sell to the DC buyer.  

Do you think I should focus on finding a partnership?

I need to save up some cash quick   If you are finding properties that fit your model, but are short on capital, consider offering opportunities for investment to people in your network who have capital that isn't earning anything.

Additionally, I wanted to find out, can I get paid out of escrow? 

Typically the buyer makes and interest only payment on the loan during construction. 

Find out what it would cost to get fixed and ask for that price as either cash back at closing (if that is allowed) or taken off the purchase price.

There is value in each: if an owner occupant is your buyer, they will likely want it vacant.  

You want to fine tune what the answer to this is because too many people start thinking the road to financial and time freedom is a lot shorter than it is.Find some local real estate investor meetups and talk to other investors and learn about their path while you find yours.