I have worked construction for 10+ years and know how to do about everything and if not I know a sub that does.I do like the 1031 strategy because don’t have any desire to cash the money out.

Taxes are challenging and desire to work to find more of these type of deals Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I know for a rental property a 2 bed 1 bath would demand higher income, but as a flip for a new investor to purchase, or somebody to house hack, which would be more desirable? 

I have a genuine desire to help these people, and if I'm not the right person to help them, I will at least point them in the right direction. 

( need to know this in order to determine if you can rent it without losing )  If selling in 1-2 yes - you might have the ability to break even assuming present appreciation pace continues ..... if you will need financing - get pre approved as you want to be prepared in case an opportunity arises... the neighborhoods you mention are still solid / desirable and good deals don’t last long 

I found a house today that's an awesome deal, in a desirable area in Omaha.

The key to all of this is to get them talking about their"pain" or their "desire" and that to get to the point the pain is gone or the dream is realized, its better to sale to someone who understands.  

As long as you start and you can see your vision and your goal in your mind you can achieve your end desire. 

Such as reassurance of a good family with no destruction history etc, to make us more desirable, and instead of $2600 a month I could ask for $2500 a month for a year of rent Or something like that.

As far as neighborhoods in Raleigh, the most desirable place to live is "inside the beltline", aka. 440, aka downtown Raleigh.