I've detailed elsewhere on BP how to make those joists suitable for drywall, but it's skilled work and it takes time.

As a beginner, think "easy" unless you possess strong renovation skills.

Find a way where you can increase your income skills and earning power or find a way to start a business from school online.  

You can search flip properties using the search filters on sites like Zillow or Redfin and get a sense for what finishes are being used, how long different designs last on market and what flipped homes are selling for.Design is much more art than science.

My one suggestion is to use the barracks building as art studios.

Hi Josh,If you're going to do this, you'll need to find the leak and fix it before fixing the ceiling.If it's wet up there beware of electricity too.The ceiling can be a homeowner fix (how well it's done is up to you and your skill).If you choose to try it, you'll will need to match the drywall texture, and prime the fix and entire discolored area with primer that covers water spots, and repaint the area to match (or the whole ceiling).If the drywall is heavily damaged that will need to be replaced too.The sell texture repair spray to help with this (see YouTube for how to use it).Good Luck!

My journey started when I listened to an episode of the Art of Manliness about starting a side hustle.

In Mark Manson's Book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**K, Mark describes only giving a F about things you know you are willing to suffer for, and knowing the level of suffering you are willing to endure. 

If REI is your chosen endeavor after the Corps, work on building your real estate skills and a great team  with subs, agents, attorneys, etc.

This will help you to develop the skills to track, manage, and develop what to do with leads when they come in.