I'm thinking that maybe the house shifted a bit as part of the move and that there are no real issues with the house.I'm trying to get a contractor to check out the property and let us know if there are any significant issues they can see, but from my understanding, even getting structural engineers to check out the property would require significant time and resources to perform a full evaluation.

So I'm an engineer by trade(27 y/o), and I've always been one to chase the money.

You’re entering an inflated market where experienced investors are talking constantly about the dearth of deals and you’re surprised that you couldn’t get a zero down loan from an institution.

I have been working really hard and saving my money and I believe now is the time to make my first investment.I work full time as a Civil Engineer.

Some options early on before the war-chest builds up can be partnering (Joint Venture) with an experienced investor you trust.

There are many options available that can get you 7+% return on average per year, one of them being investing passively in large apartment complexes with experienced operators. 

Anyone know of an engineer in Maryland?

Leave those to the highly experienced and often local investors who understand and do not mind the high-risk play of investing in low cost rentals. 

Hopefully, after living in the house and experiencing the benefits, our daughter arrives at the same conclusion you have. 

@Jonathan Roper Kansas is experiencing a population and economic loss as a whole.