@Jason Sinclair, having a designer for a wife, I would answer that it really depends heavily on each house, the flow and usability of the spaces as they are, and the overall use of space in the house as a whole.That being said, while there may be a small shift towards more separated spaces, "open concept" is by no means dead, and in many markets, most people seem to still want to have connectivity between their communal spaces.In fact, my wife's current flip is a split level (although technically it is a split-foyer), and she is taking out a structural wall to connect the kitchen, dining and living areas.  

This works best when the seller is motivated and open to flexible terms.4.BRRRR Strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat)– If you find the right undervalued property, you can finance the rehab with short-term funding and then refinance into a long-term loan, pulling most or all of your money back out.5.House Hacking– If you’re open to living in your investment, you can use an FHA loan (as low as 3.5% down)to buy a multi-unit, live in one unit, and rent out the others.

Use the two years to learn the area and I would suggest as soon as you can, find a duplex and start a house hack. 

Follow These Steps BEFORE You Start Flipping Houses in 2024 - it goes over the basics, choosing locations, etc. 

Stock picking is gambling pure and simple. 

If so, you may be able to wholesale the property to someone (perhaps even someone in one of those $400,000 houses) in such a way that you and your grandmother come out whole.

Taxes are reasonable (in most areas), and there is a significant lack of quality affordable housing.  

House hacking is the BEST way to get started in real estate investing!

Sounds like you should go the house hack/FHA route.

A friend of mine bought some houses from them that he thought were occupied and running smoothly because rent checks always came through on time.