If a hot tub time machine brought me back to that age, knowing what I know now, what I would do would be:1)  In the very beginning I'd get the absolute cheapest housing possible, be it studio apartment, mobile home in a park, a bedroom somebody is renting out, whatever, and not worry if that makes friends and family laugh and worry about your life. 

If that's an accurate figure for total closing costs (and it includes any escrow funding required, title/recording, origination fee, processing/underwriting fees, etc) then it does not seem unusually high to me, but please keep in mind that my experience is in the asset-based lending space-- so my opinion is skewed.

Then add in the winter storm in Feb where there was record cold temps for a record setting duration and add in power outages.  8 units with frozen pipe related issues some with expensive emergency repairs.  

Never use an agent who does not unless they have an excellent track record of selling a whole lot of houses. 

Can a person with a criminal record obtain a real estate license?

How long do the "strikes" stay on your HUD record? 

Looking for a General construction contractor in the area with excellent track records with similar projects. 

This starts your house hacking track record.

The owner is seeking a quiet, non-smoking responsible tenant to enjoy this great property.This unit is the only studio in the 02215 zip code with a deeded parking space.

Flipping could take 1-2 years to have a track record and build a good nest egg, hardest part is starting and it's relying on the market condition.