Things that are within my skillset include: electrical (unlicensed), IT networking, cyber defense, and any handyman tasks.

They just take more time, energy, and willingness to take risk through quick action. 

to give some feedback, you will need to estimate the cost to repair the house; if you don't know how to do that, we just need some  information of what the house needs and the sqft of the propertyIf the house is, as an example, 2500 sqft, and It looks like you are stuck in time back in the 1980s, but the AC is working,  the roof is ok, and there are no foundation, plumbing, or electrical issues; I can assume maybe a $20 per sqft, so the rehab is about $50K to 60KIf the ARV is 290K minus 10% closing/holding costs, - minus 20% profit - $50K rehab, ideally, in this example, I need to buy the house for about $150K to flip it, but as a landlord, I may be able to pay a bit more, as long as rehab is not too much, and rental is about $3,000 to $3,500 a month

You are not required to pay upfront costs (and shouldn't, in my opinion.)I require written verification from utility companies (water, gas, electric) that utilities have been assigned to Tenant effective the first day of occupancy; no confirmation = no keys and lease approval withdrawn).

The units have had all electrical panels and water lines upgraded with permits and new kitchen cabinets installed in all units.All of these deals were on Redfin.I would argue that there is money to be made in every market.

I know there's the inspection period and buyer must perform due diligence BUT it never is normal to research permits for every single plumbing fixture, electrical box, all liveable areas, etc.

If the sponsor is buying 1980 or older make sure they have a lot of money set aside for plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

No claims, updated roofs,plumbing,electric.

So now that it is empty, I have been doing as much work as I can myself, such as painting all the walls, replacing damaged bricks, drywall repairs, AC duct repairs, plumbing repairs, and simple electrical stuff to save money, but do not feel like I have the woodworking skills needed to install cabinets or siding and have it come out looking professional and clean.

Others like the low cost of the mid-west and have the, skills, time and energy to manage a project long distance.What strategy to deploy will depend on your goals and what your skills, lifestyle, and capital allow you to accomplish and the balance of those 3.