Charleston and north Charleston are some of the best markets in the country not sure why you would go so far a field.. cash flow is not the best.. but appreciation is real.. how can you argue with an area that is booming for jobs.. ( and unlike Texas) has scarcity of land and reasonable tax's ... lets look at what's happened 1.

I am a licensed contractor (although I work a full time job in another field) and I am currently building my own home which should be completed within the next few months.

You've probably already thought of this, but consider house hacking with a 0 down VA loan as a great way to gain entry to the field.  

If you're hoping to enter this field, why?  

I listed the property as a rental yesterday, and have already received numerous emails stating interest in renting.

However, they have crap credit do to a variety of reasons but now that he is getting back to work from a period of unemployment, he is an oil field foreman, they are ready to buy a house.Our friend actually wants to purchase our old house and pay it off in literally 3-5 years. 

Not sure what field you are in, but websites like www.indeed.com aggregate available jobs in markets and can email you each day with the new jobs in your field for the zip code you are looking in.  

I would like to personally work with someone locally experienced in this field who can teach me properly how to structure and negotiate the right agreement for both the sellers and myself, I have no problem giving most of the profit from the deals as long I learn the process!

The best way to get an understanding of your options is to speak with professionals in the field - which would include providers of these plans as well as your independent tax counsel.Best of luck as you get started!

I know there are numerous classic car owners in the area.Kathy - I like your description as a "vanilla shell".