If I had enough capital, I would go to auction, after walk through, and consider buying at auction (given I knew all possibilities of of tax liens, etc) but at this moment, my connections and capital is not adequate. 

The more you practice, the faster you'll get a hang of it and it'll become your second nature. 

Kitchen will be plenty adequate for a rental in the neighborhood you described.

I am currently looking at a property that does not have natural gas offered so everything would have to be electric.

It is called nature and it exists everywhere. 

Make sure he has adequate other capital to finish the project.  

If I can't refinance that much, I should just purchase conventional with 20% down.You will also want to ensure that you have adequate reserves.

Wholesaling is pretty exhilarating as it is and it seems to come naturally. 

Once you're up and running and the LLC has adequate capital and experience you can get out of personally guaranteeing the loans.All this being said - real estate, in my opinion, is the best way to build long term wealth.

The natural appreciation really is the most value added here.