I'd love to see if I can help in any way

Let’s share insights and help each other out!

But, this might not exist prior to close.

In such a case, I'd prefer that the lease be month-to-month for this very reason.

I just hope i can find something before the new year ideally so i can stop paying rent and own something.Noted on the cash flow aspects too (i have been using the duplex calcualtor for this) and understand i will have a small net payment each month while living there, which is completely understood and fine by me (better than paying large rent)

This resulting number would be either net positive or negative.

Is it worth it to potentially take a slightly smaller return on this one deal to gain the knowledge/introductions for me to repeat this process in the future acting as my own GC?

This way there will no be loose ends and title transfer will be clean, you wont even have to issue a quit claim deed.

Surprisingly, this small town in Oklahoma had a lot of data that says yes. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.