I can state that I would have needed to spend at least $20k on the comp property to have them be similar condition.  

As I pursue properties in Simpsonville, Mauldin, Fountain Inn, and Greenville, I'm in search of a Realtor who:1) Is willing to work with a guy who is only going to spend $40-75k on an investment property.

I know that guys like @Lori Valene, @Aaron Ramm, @Tarl Yarber, @Ryland Taniguchi, @Brian Fouts, @Kevin Carbon all operate in the Tacoma area and would be interested in any deals you have dug up, I would certainly consider a partnership to help you learn the business.For other actionable steps, I would start spending a few hours every week scanning the MLS, Redfin, Zillow, etc. and learning what houses sell for in your area, learn the market and start learning how to estimate rehab/renovations costs.

What amount of time will you plan to spend on it?

., resident in the forums.Click on the "learn tab" at the top of the page, and you could be spending many hours on the Information that is available.Raymond

I never liked the idea of working as a means to an end, but as I get older (31), I am realizing that I could help so many more people if I don't have to worry about paying back all my debt and spending all my time at work and being stressed.  

Bigger Pockets has various resources: ebooks, forums, blogs, webinars, podcasts, keyword alerts, an awards system, a learn section, colleagues, informative people in many fields of real estate, and more.Consider spending 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days on Bigger Pockets.

Often times for my buy and holds I'd love a few months to get income flowing before I start spending to fix up the exterior of the houseSpeaking of which, anyone want to help me paint the exterior of a duplex?!

I recommend you spend EVERY available minute reading, researching and networking with active real estate investors in your community via REI MeetUP groups, associations, etc. 

If this deal doesn't end up working out, I know a lot more and will be much prepared to make the next offer.I actually live in California, but I grew up in Delaware, and, with my job being very flexible and involving a lot of travel, I get to spend quite a bit of time at home.