This is a common scam we have seen all the time on the multifamily side and also tell people to take valuables with them or lock them away.

As a beginner in real estate, should I decline to sign the offer with my agent or lock in, order an inspection, and then negotiate?

You can try quit-claiming to an LLC after you close, but you risk the triggering the Due on Sale clause that nearly every mortgage has now.

So yes separation would trigger automatic sell.The exception for this is perhaps midwest.

Its slow and super time consuming, but I have had more success talking to actual leads and locking up contracts. 

One thing I would definitely invest in is a cheap code lock, so you can change it and not have to meet the guests there.

I talk to people every day that are "waiting to see what happens" and "waiting for rates to come down", too many to count.People want to buy property but don't feel comfortable pulling the trigger now with so much uncertainty which has led us to having more inventory since 2010 in Austin.

Using technology like smart locks and home automation can help you manage check-ins and monitor the property remotely.

If it were me, I would probably list my original house for rent to gauge the interest before pulling the trigger on buying the second house you have selected. 

Contracts lock in pricing.