Every evening after work we spend hours driving around the area and compiling a list of fixer uppers throughout various neighborhoods.

Since you are in Richmond you can reasonably drive there on occasion if needed. 

I’ve been driving for dollars and found just over 70 distressed homes on my list, and all I do all day is try to learn but I’ve just gotten no clue how to take the first action step or what it is.I have no capital to invest (yet) which Is why I figured wholesaling was my best path, but I just really need some help.

It is just 5min driving from the downtown.There is actually an old mine on the land :) You have a road who cross the land (2 access to the land) City water underneath of this road.

It drives them out of the business and corporatizes the industry.

So there is a serious problem with mainland Chinese investors buying up inventory, driving up prices, and then really neglecting the properties that they do own to the point that they're becoming derelict.  

Have you ever done any kind of driving for dollars or anything of that sort.

I have considered deals out of state though and what I have found I am most comfortable with are areas within a 4-5 hour drive max so I can get to them relatively easily if I absolutely needed to.

And as we all know- success breeds the drive and desire to find more properties and opportunities.

Drive the area.