Unless/until you feel you are 100% comfortable with all aspects of a real estate transaction and the legal issues surrounding real estate transactions, I highly recommend you use a great real estate agent and/or attorney to assist you.

My biggest annoyance is that i wanted to rent it 9/1, but don't feel comfortable doing that now without title in my name.... ah well

You could omit the exact address if that makes you more comfortable in sharing.No cost and No expectations.Thanks.

Once you are able to establish a track record, and a comfort, then you can start working more creative deal structures.  

Line up 3 notaries who are comfortable with closing wholesale transactions.5.  

You want to significantly upgrade your personal housing situation.To the extent that these conflict, you have to find the balance point that makes you the most comfortable.

I am just starting to learn what is comfortable for me.  

Are you comfortable with borrowing from someone you know, as long as it makes the most financial sense?

I say somewhat because I have always had a passion for real estate even from the time I was a child.

I'm def not comfortable doing a major rehab at this point.At any rate, I think I'm getting in over my head here.