It appears to be common in my area that an order is put in and the driver takes a check.

Consider population trends, job growth, and economic stability in these areas.2.

Lack of provisions for dispute resolution is a common oversight.

It might be helpful to narrow down your options by focusing and researching for markets with strong rental demand, growing job markets, and property prices that fit within your budget.

Hard money is a pretty common loan type for BRRRs or flips, it is handy to start. 

We live in California at the moment and I have W2 job and my wife a small online business.

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.

Columbus also has great macroeconomics - lots of job growth, population growth, and major employers developing here.

I'm curious how you would handle managing when working a full-time job in the military.

@Craig Oram this is a common issue.