First Purchase! Looking for Advice

[Riley Shea]

My wife and I are new to the Chattanooga, TN market. We have been researching the market extensively since moving here in July as well as networking with others in the area. We are moving forward with purchasing an existing 3/2 in an up and coming neighborhood that will also include a 2nd adjacent lot zoned R-3. The initial goal is to fix and live in the existing home while we save money to build a new home/duplex/Airbnb in a few years once the market starts to appreciate. I estimate our total cost for remodel on this home will be between $20-30k. We want to expedite the projects, especially the kitchen, on the existing home.

The big projects include tearing down a load bearing wall to open up the kitchen, remodeling the kitchen, flooring in bedrooms, both baths and new paint interior & exterior. I'm wondering if anyone in the market has good tips for these flips? Ex: re-use stores, good contractors, home improvement loan options.