@Don Jackson Greatschools.com is a popular website for school ratings and has a plug-in on the site for google maps so you can compare with however you are reviewing your potential properties.

Painting everything inside the house, walls, ceiling, closets, kitchen, inside garage.Repair cieling sheet rock cracksRestain kitchen, all bathroom cabnetsRepaint front doorRehang front door lightRehang back door lightReplace trim around back doorInstall Tile through out propertyShould I hire out one company to do all the work, or high out each type of job needing to be completed.

I guess it was popular back then, I like my layout but has an outdated look. 

I accepted a counter offer from the bank,  set up a inspection.....all good until we got to the property and all the Cooper was gone, sheet rock ripped out and pipes gone! 

A popular poster here @Ben Leybovich who writes a lot about multi family here, said he spent years getting his first deal.

The 50% rule is so popular for a reason.

Nancy you are popular!

You already have some experience and with additional effort, will quickly climb the REI ladder to its pinnacle.Since you are interested in wholesaling an would like to be an investor, I added the below links to the three most popular niches for you to decide on how to expand your REI mindset.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

Certainly the more popular strategyEasier to find conventional financing (The deals are safer for banks)ConsCan take awhile to build up the cashflow to sustain itselfTypically requires some form of personal cash contribution- Does your answer change based on locale?

The deal will have to be rock solid, with multiple exit strategies.