We do a lot of updating due to the age of a home like this, so we have taken out the old kitchen cabinets, thrown away all the old appliances, pulled out all of the old dated light fixtures, removed the flooring (except for the ceramic tile in the kitchen), removed the bathroom vanities (old and dated), etc.The home already has a newer 30 yr architectural shingle roof, a newer HVAC system, but the rest of the home needs a good overhaul.

I've been looking in one periodical for probate leads.

I can be home for long periods of time so I want to fill my downtime with something interesting, challenging and profitable.

The rest is learn as you go.

When I discovered that he had lied I attempted to cancel the contract within the 5 day grace period but he told me that it was not possible to cancel the policy.

The goal is to do 2-3 more complex gut rehabs and the rest cosmetic/surface type rehabs.

The contract requires periodic payments over a term and upon completion title vests in the name of the buyer/borrower of the real property.  

If you find the gasoline in the jug is more than about two months old, dump it in your car's tank, then fill up the car (the rest of the way) and the jug at the gas station.If you let the gas from February sit in the snowblower until December, or the gas from October sit in the lawnmower until next April, you're gonna have a bad time. 

Give yourself a solid out or two, like "Subject to a 60-day inspection period."

Particularly if you enjoy the area and could see doing your business there, I recommend the low-money-down house hacking route (#2).I think if you can manage your personal expenses and make sure to get renters in your extra rooms, you can use the rest of the money to launch your other investments.