so basically I am looking for my first deal. Found a house that looked like it was half way flipped with a for sale sign. Called the number and a lady answered, she said her husband had a heart attack and can not fini...

For the right conditions, it looks more profitable over time than managed timber stands. 

I'm a single dad and devoted father, been in the contracting business for 10+ years and have recently made the transition into REI.

@JeffreyHolst I was wondering about that because often times investors talk about using their strategy to make a profit.

We believe if everything goes well we will make worst case $$50 best case $80k in profit.

He is transitioning out of the military, so we will have our VA loan to use.We are primarily buying multi-unit property in our home state but we would like to make an investment purchase in Charlotte as well.

Have you tried private money, credit unions, smaller local lenders or portfolio lenders (they keep their own loans--don't pass on to Freddie/Fanny.)Of course you could sell the property, take a profit, and do another deal. 

I have about a 18k profit margin.

I'm not sure where you are located or what other flips in the area look like, but cutting costs/corners in kitchens and bathrooms usually means lower profits.

We are looking for the elusive flip house in my area, the classic 3/2 block house with high enough comps surrounding to support the 25-30% target profit.