I think that is an excellent way to get started by helping someone else out with their rehab or project.

I think it's a great idea to pay off school/car loans first - will always look better in the lenders' eyes.In terms of your choices for your next move - I don't think you can go wrong with Raleigh, Denver nor Austin.

Being on the state line will give you the choice of which state offers the best residence/real estate/tax laws and investment opportunities. 

@Chris Pasternak  Excellent point. ;) But what if you could build 3x as much equity in the same time period?

I would attempt to save the existing drain field, perhaps it may only need to be flushed; have your septic guy give you some alternative suggestions and make the replacement the last choice as it is the most expensive.  

This means I paid a little bit more for my membership in order to have a display booth at the networking events, along with the option to speak formally at those events.I took the wholesaling class that REIA offered last October and I have to say that it was an excellent use of my time and money.

That was my choice as well (to simply address the letter to the owner and not mention anything about the passing).  

http://petriestocking.com/blog/landlord-tenantHere's a link to his EXCELLENT landlord blog too and he's good about answering emails, so I'm sure if you email him he'll let you know if he is qualified to help and if not, my ipression having talked with him multiple times is that then he'd refer you to whoever you should call and not just take the biz he's not well versed in, he strikes me as a very honest and principled man.

Excellent ideas all of themThe down payment is also part of the plan.  

If the latter is the best choice should I cash-out refi or sell to recover my money for the next flip?