My contractor is trying to convince me not to do it because shotgun houses have a lot of character ...

Have you already "Driven for dollars" and sent the potential distressed properties a letter?

I am a forward driven creative, innovator, musician and serial entrepreneur.

This is true...there is an absolute value to being goal/answer driven.

That will do two things, one her broker will probably give her a wakeup call about customer service and two, the broker will probably try to find someone in his office who can better serve your needs since you've already shown him your character.

I've driven through Pueblo a couple of times lately and I'm puzzled by a BIG construction project going on EAST of town.

I love character, lush landscaping, walkability with park and trails with the lake and golf course.

Its in the Old West End where there are many renovated character style homes just around the corner.

Carolina Place is an anomaly driven by passion for the area and investors are selling with ARVs of $160+ psf because of it.  

I got a killer deal thanks to the help of @Mark Updegraff, who's been invaluable in starting my REI business and assembling a team of professionals that is a pleasure to work with.As someone who is very driven and loves to self-teach, real estate provides a great medium for investment while not detracting from my day job.