Once you feel comfortable then put together a game plan to go out of state to flip or buy and hold with the help of your local family. 

This is a game changer, no guesswork, and a more data driven approach.

Again, I am trying to practice and run some numbers on potential investments and would like help since I am just starting to learn the games of real estate and underwriting deals.

You may pay a bit more and make a little less, but playing the long term game is key in real estate.The types of structures could be lump sum (one price) or cost plus (meaning you pay the cost of material and labor plus a flat fee—more of an open-book model).I see some investors who want to pay for ALL the materials, which is excellent for the investor (more control of finishes & cost) and general contractor (if they are getting paid well).  

- @Max Ferguson Definitely eager to start with something relatively simple to get some skin in the game and learn firsthand.

The one hosted by Brandon Rush is one of them.I am always game to help individuals and do so without costs.

I've not been able to in years, we just line up buyers and go the full length with them on the contract rather than play games. 

You are right to be nervous about them delisting the owner's other properties, because they don't like owners who play games to get around their rules. 

Now a listing agent will do work before the listing is active (paperwork, marketing and home prep) but once it is active, the listing agent has to be ready to follow up on all leads that come their way and answer all inquiries, but you can do that sitting poolside. when I used to sell RE many many moons ago it was the drive and show game..

I view STR as a long game.