Even then it might just be better to buy a house down the line unless you are 100% sure you will not move before you can buy the house.Most newbies will do well with rentals even if they aren't the max return kind you see thrown around on BP saving and working towards 3.5% to put down on an FHA house hack should be a fairly achievable goal.

I have subcontractors lined up and know the costs for mostly everything except the foundation. 

Preferably, go for $1 million+ purchase price because you can get better agency financing.There would a lot of work to do finding the deal, performing due diligence, lining up insurance and various inspectors and contractors.

Essentially finding an replacement property and line things up first. 

Plumbing: scope the main lines to make sure there are no obstructions and check for water leaks.

And when they told their 10 closest friends about paying the extra 1% for the luxury of working with the one and only Wayne Brooks I am sure all 10 of them were lined up outside your door at 7am begging you to work with them too right?!?!

Congrats, it's a beautiful looking finished product.

Bottom line is that any consideration you receive for the property you sell represents gain and you'll recognize tax on the profit. 

Bottom line, if you want in the game you will have a situation when it's owner-occupied that you live very cheap but not free (ie 400-700/month), when you move out you will have very modest to even cash flow for the first few years. 

However,  some of them  -not all-  push products many investors don't need and fail to explain the real risks they will be facing.