I agree that it would be best to pay off your student debt, even if it means you wouldn't be able to put as much down on your new house. 

@Willie Smith it all up to what you agree on.

I agree with all said above, but if it’s not the only way to gain access, use alternate means. 

I agree with you on brick homes they don’t make em like that anymore.

I'd agree with the idea of avoiding the Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg markets and see if you can find smaller schools in college towns.

I completely agree with @Phil Anderson about needing to physically look at a property and see what the value is.

@Josh Jenkins I took that approach on my first rental and agree how much headache that has saved me.

It goes without saying that the flips need to work but i strongly agree with this approach, especially in today's market.  

I agree with Jay Hinrichs and Steve Vaughn regarding the value of a good PM, and I attribute much of my success as a RE investor to a great management company that has managed my properties for 12 years and oversee them as if they owned them personally.

But I agree fix the issues at hand, do some cosmetic upgrades (paint floor lighting kitchen and bath) and should be able to sell it for a profit