The problem is that on this loan I would have to complete my repairs within 6 months of purchasing the property.

Enough to cover you for a complete loss and potentially getting sued for numerous reasons.  

Once you complete your first purchase, follow the BRRR method. best!

I am a serious investor and very determined and eager to get my first deal completed, but just need the guidance to make sure I am headed in the right direction.

But when I look up listings of properties, what I see is complete Greek to me.

Walls and ceilings completely yellow from smoke.

I work primarily on STRs from a property management standpoint. 

This is why Memphis is such a dead dead dead market along with so many other rust belt zero job growth cities.Learn how to sniff out where employers are moving, opening up new plants, divisions, hiring, then buy rentals in the path of that progress. 

From close of escrow (COE) at purchase to COE at sale, it was 11 months to complete this project.

As a complete newbie at wholesaling, it is fantastic to know what a perspective buyer is looking for.