Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

So if you are looking to meet agents, wholesalers, maybe a couple lenders, or some investors that have done a few flips or own a couple SFRs, you will find many people there.This isn't to say they are bad, but in the several dozens I have attended, they have not been worth my time, professionally or personally.  

Have your agent meet the appraiser and prepare and appraisal packet

I am hoping to meet people who I can learn and grow from and want to invest in me and what I'm capable of. 

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

Use liquid assets to assist in meeting full doc debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirements. - Cross Collateralization.

If it were me, I would insert myself into the local economy and local community. 

Use places like BiggerPockets Real Estate Forums and join local REIA groups to learn and meet new people.

I suspect an experienced local investor would not be scared off by this house because they could physically see and understand how to address the issues in a common sense affordable way.

I think you could benefit from joining the local REIA to help get you started and network with other local investors, contractors, syndicators etc.