I'm willing to take a chance if they're substantially cheaper than mailing and they bring me deals.

@Brian Salinas- when you find a good deal there is always a way to finance the project - even with poor credit and no money in the bank account - but the finance costs are VERY expensive - --- so you need to be searching for a great deal to offset the loan costs -- as others have said, this isn't a great deal - it isn't even a good deal there is barely any money to be made if everything goes exactly according to your rehab numbers - my advice--- pass this deal up and work hard at your job (or jobs) and save, save, save - live below your means and pile up the cash - keep your eye on the goal line and keep your eyes open for really great deals- read all you can, talk about real estate every chance you can with people who know their stuff - before you know it you will be ready to go, but it is risky to try to force a deal in your current situation - if you think you are broke now, what happens when your deal is a $20,000 loser rather than a $20,000 winner?

So my chances of something effecting the economy aren't as bad as if there were only 1 big business that provided for the town. 

Maybe, just maybe, if you found the right lender and had everything lined up as best and as far as you could go on your VA loan process with everyone knowing the circumstances of your auction strategy, then you might possibly slightly have a chance.... 

Chances are that you will be doing paint touch-ups and repainting whole walls after each tenant.

I am planning on getting involved in real estate, business, and subsequent investing (multi-family) as soon as I turn 18.However I was wondering if you had the chance to start over with real estate or business, what path would you take in order to generate the most money in a sustained period of time, and what steps would you take to acclimate that equity.

I will reach out to you when I get a chance!!! 

Not one year.In addition to all of the above, there is the chance that the complex will become Unwarrantable or not FHA approved.Unwarrantable means banks won't lend on any units in the complex.

CA is a market where you can force prices to go up and if your in and out in 6 months (or BRRRR it) chances are you wont be too affected by a possible downturn and the forced appreciation should bring you cash flow. 

If you're expecting the seller to pay you after closing I think your chances of getting paid are slim to none