@Eric JamesThank you for that advice, I heard about telling tenants you are property manager as opposed to landlord (for purpose of house hacking) from a well loved Bigger Pockets book.

As opposed to Vegas where I don’t pay any finders fee other than $300 to any realtor that brings a tenant.

Try to find a lender in your area, as they will have more flexible terms as opposed to a national lender. 

With that said I’m not opposed to rolling up my sleeves and doing a little bit of work to get the property 100% ready to go however like you said my first few deals I want to be a little more straightforward with less “work” as opposed to more work. Definitely looking for something that has good cash flow and long-term opportunity but again not opposed to stepping into something that needs a “little work” so I can build some instant equity.

And I want to be using the banks money as opposed to my own to buy houses.

Why would the seller be so opposed to having a licensed electrician replace the panel? 

I am not oppose to out of state at all.

The former use as a auto repair could present some concerns and you should find out how the former heating oil tank was abandoned (removed, closed in place, etc). since you are converting this building as opposed to demo so you wont be excavating impacted soil, the principal concern would be potential for vapor intrusion since you're planning on converting to residential. this can be addressed with a system similar to radon system.

The bill was backed by the California Apartment Association, but opposed by tenant groups like the statewide Tenants Together (who say it doesn't go far enough).

So I was just curious from people with experience what would be a good way to go about investing in real estate properties with the idea of renting them as opposed to flipping, etc in 2 years or so once I graduate college.