Just bought 2 months ago myself. Mrs. WildcatNkilt and I are going to make it a DIY project. Just refinished the basement and one of the bedrooms. Have 2-1/2 bathrooms to remodel, new flooring, and kitchen in our plans for the next year.
Also lots of kids in the neighborhood. The other night a few kids came by asking if they could walk our dogs for money. I told them no cause my big dog would eat them but I'm proud of their work ethic. Neighbors next door and across the street are Cat fans.
Good luck with the house hunting. Can be fun and stressful all at the same time.
Oh, and my advice is to do inspections the old fashioned way. (Plumber, Electrician, etc). That way if something is wrong they can give you a quote at the same time for what it would cost, and you can submit the quotes with the list of things you want fixed before going to closing. Saves money in the long run, and usually more efficient than an inspection person who checks it all.