For instance, Charleston area is significantly higher priced then some other areas.   

After doing extensive research on real estate investing and wether it is worth my time or the effort, I came across Joshua Dorkin's book "'How To Invest In Real Estate" which has led me to Biggerpockets.com and I've decided to try my hand at becoming a REI.

Lastly with a private money lender do they completely fund 100% of the deal, for instance property cost 100k and renovation is 25k... does the private money lender front the 125k and wait for the refi to get his money back or do they normally just front 20% and expect you to get the remainder through a bank?

I've promoted them a lot here (even got a surprise 1-month membership extension when a BP member joined and mentioned my name!)

How extensive was your research?  

We built a gravel road network and installed water main extension and hydrants and above ground electricity.

The PP (slightly too high) and rehab (mildly extensive) didn't work unless I swung hammers and did some labor.

Purchase price: $110,000 Cash invested: $20,000 Sale price: $185,000 Demolition of rear extension to floor slab, rebuild on same footprint, new kitchen, bathroom and cosmetics.

I am new to the world of real estate but I have been reading extensively about the subject and am extremely excited to start incorporating real estate into my investment portfolio.

For instance I just booked a flight to Hawaii for our family where the ticket cost was $1200, but I was able to book it for 50,000 points I transferred out of my Chase ultimate rewards to those airline miles instead.