Allowing uneducated renters to make electrical changes is very risky - I've seen all sorts of crazy stuff that may 'work' but is clearly not code or safe.  

Also, I know all the mortgage loan officers in BOISE and they all do a fantastic job and know their stuff.

It also covers lots of real estate stuff that's not specific to long-distance investing.Saving $26k in a few years is a real accomplishment, and you deserve to make use of it now, not in 3 years.

If there are any investors in the area, I live on the island side, I would love to network, even offer to work part time as an intern to gain experience, join network groups to meet other investors.

Most places quote 3 months to allow for the 1 month in escrow.679 v 680 is a big cutoff for a lot of stuff. 

Water heaters, dampness, foundation issues, control panels, the pricey stuff will show itself.

Is there a way to get financing for international investors?

Also to sweeten the deal, I planned on telling him to take what he wants and I’ll empty out the house (he is 70 and his son is about 45 so I can see this being appealing-the house is loaded with stuff).

If we're going to be internally consistent, IMO the playing field has got to be leveled.To do that, you have two choices.If you hard cap everything at 43% (and can no longer sell your home to that FHA buyer utterly maxing themselves out at 56.4% DTI), I can point to some dozens of millions, or hundreds of millions, of American voter homeowners ("homevoters") who will not like the impact this has on their home values, unfortunately.

I know I have a lot more to learn but I don't want to waste time and feel I should take action pretty soon.I started building credit already and I read/listen to real estate related stuff everyday.