I want to know how to find properties, what strategies to rehab them, and how to avoid pitfalls.

Rather than go into all of this detail, I originally decided to answer your specific question regarding using the standard purchase agreement more succinctly presuming the common occurrence of assumed 'full authority,' because you had not mentioned letters testamentary or IAEA.I stand by my original answer that because of the myriad pitfalls inherent in using a 'standard purchase agreement' for such a purchase, I strongly suggest you NOT use that agreement and instead seek affordable legal counsel.

Currently researching VR opportunities across the border in Baja, MX so feel free to hit me with any tidbits of advice, pitfalls, connections etc!

What are going to be some pitfalls that I won't even think about when I get into residential real estate investments for the first time?

I would have lunch with an probate/estate/elder lawyer and quiz them about the pitfalls of doing this.

That is a pitfall of the landlord holding utilities in their name.

Also, aside from any actual damage to the house, what are some of the pit falls that I should look out for when buying at a trustee sale? 

I tried to cover several scenarios about tax sales, but there is so much ground it will take several posts.But, thanks for my next blog idea, their are pitfalls if you decide to rehab.

My goals are to avoid any common pitfalls with not being local to my properties as well as to maximize my financial opportunities with this strategy.Thank you all in advance for reading and responding to my post. 

Clearly the pitfalls here are time and accuracy.