Check out the nearby members and network https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet, it will help you a lot to find partners that can help you out in investing.

I have been absorbing them and have heard numerous episodes that address your very question.   

The approach my investor had was straight talk about the numerous issues he saw, some of which were not mentioned by the GC:  foundation, water damage that may have come from the outside, perhaps from the runoff from the neighboring property, rotted base boards in the corner (water damage) that could mean deeper issues.  

But in commercial real estate your risk is lowered extensively by doing proper analysis of properties and only moving forward with the ones that are numerically "Good Deals."

I've never bought a house before and still have a lot to learn.

Still have a lot to learn. 

I know I have a lot to learn and am just excited about finding a great resource like BP.

Of course, getting it under market is better, but to me, that doesn't preclude at-market deals if everything works out numerically.

Cost is $39,900 and will most likely rent for $700/month.I plan to have this house paid off in 18 months, at which point I will begin using the additional cash flow for future deals, savings, etc.The question is at what point, numerically, can I stop putting the normal percentages (i.e. 7.5% for vacancies, 10% for maintenance) away from the rent monthly, or at least reduce the amount to use more of the income for future investments?

there is a lot to know.