I came across a SFH that fits my metrics as far as buy and hold.

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors, realtors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors or brokers in your market and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersAnd of course, be sure to subscribe to the podcast - so much great info there and always full of inspiration.

I'm starting to take courses for the real estate license examination, for knowledge, but I am not entirely interested in exactly being an agent.

But, sometimes the issues needed to be dealt with might prevent some types of financing, so the Escrow method is one way to stay on track.This also assumes, of course, the lender agrees to it.

You typically have to have a connection/know someone in order to get them to do that, but of course it all depends on the contractor.

But like I said...it can be an awesome option if it's the right fit!

Of course, there can be planning done to see what is most beneficial to you. 

Thanks Thomas, I listed it FSBO before it was totalled of course, showed it a couple of times but no luck, at that time I was asking for 5k as a down payment but now I'm not in a position to do that, I need to sell and collect because I want to invest in something (even though is not a lot of money)

Actual receipt is money in your hand of course. 

And of course your area may be different in terms of cost and also some jobs don't require a full cosmetic renovation, but most of mine have.Then of course check the big ticket items like HVAC, roof, exterior siding/masonry repair, windows, interior sheetrock replacement, foundation and water heater and know approximately what it will cost to fix/replace each if warranted.