While doing my research I have noticed that a common theme for most first-time investors is that your first deal is typically the hardest, but, after the first, the rest come easily. 

I work a full-time job but would like to spend the next 5-10 years studying hard and learning more to put myself in a position where I can invest wisely (and be diversified, of course) in real estate.  

In retrospect that was a terrible financial decision, but oh, well.My next job was across town from my house which was a reasonable commute a long time ago, but quickly traffic became too much, and I decided I needed a closer place.

Does anyone know if this price is usually a baseline and they are likely to receive more than their asking price or if it is common to offer a lower amount based on repairs needed?

The husband will be receiving his military paycheck until February, but they do not have jobs lined up in North Carolina yet. 

I'm not saying off permit jobs aren't being done.  

Not only does this free up capital for investment, but it keeps me lean and beholden to no part of lifestyle inflation.I have colleagues who are unwilling to quit their jobs or take measured investment risk because of the threat it poses to their lifestyle costs: homes, cars, vacations. 

Examples could be pre-foreclosure, tax lien, loss of job, death in the house/family, divorce, high medical bills, drugs, rental property gone bad, or anyone that was diagnosed with a severe medical condition.

For pretty houses a 3-10% option fee is reasonable with 3-5% being most common.

Since I don't have a real home (I move every 4 months for my job), I've been keeping my stuff at my parents house in NC.