I think the best way to start this is by buying your own "fixer Upper" and live it for 2 years while you make the improvements. This will give you the experience you need while keeping your expenses down. You also get the benefit of no capital gains. (As long as you live in the house for 2...
I agree with inspector D. I used to own a custom cabinet shop in Arizona for 10 years. The seasonal humidity changes made selling painted cabinets difficult. The joints would always crack, on the face frames as well as the doors. I would not putty and paint over these seams as they will...