Same legal concept ("reasonable accommodation" because to do otherwise would be essentially denying some people the right to shop for groceries). 

Welcome @Ashley BenningThere's a REIA close to you that might be of interest called The Real Estate Candy Shop. 

Pick an area you know that everyone wants to be in, could be due to schools or jobs, park or new shopping or employment coming in that area.

Thanks for the quick replies.Sounds like I need to shop for a qualified intermediary as well as a CPA.  

If a contractor is charging 10% markup to assure he has the right materials on site at all times and you are not going to be there 3 times a day it probably makes sense to go that route.The building supply shops usually specialize in certain trades, where you are going to be all over the map with little projects of each.  

I can find bargains in both office and strip shopping centers.

However, if you do not feel comfortable then, by all means, shop around. 8)

Anyone who has tried to go grocery shopping recently, for instance, can attest to that.

Other houses for even less, are in areas without jobs, schools, public transportation, , shopping, etc.

Why don't you start by wholesaling:Find a great deal, shop it around to other investors in your area (local REIA, Craigslist, calling signs, etc), and then assign your interest for a finders fee.Do this a few times and you'll have your own cash for your own deals...