You guys rock.

I've never bought a house before, and i've never had an income to be able to be picky about my living situation, so i really have no idea what amenities to look for, and even worse, no idea what large ticket items to look for. obviously roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing - but what indicators of those can i actually inspect on my own and be able to see if this house has any major red flags? 

It doesn't seem like you're in a position to shop, so just something to keep in mind for future reference.Also, when you're talking about a 30-year fixed loan, if one lender tells you they can do something that several others said they cannot...it's a huge red flag.  

@David Dachtera  first course of action is to simply and I say very simply.. go to the county or city .. talk with the planning department.. and make sure the lots were recorded as final plats.. and are legal lots of record. just because utls are in does not mean the plat was recorded.then see if there are any other red flags.. then go to public works ask the same questions.then go to the building department and make sure they don't have them flagged.

You are rocking and rolling for sure!  

I was required to fax in:Copy of my Drivers LicenseCopy of my Social Security CardNOTARIZED water service applicationSigned copy of settlement statement from title companyThis seems like a ridiculous amount of red-tape required to set up water and trash service with the city of Dallas.  

But is there any other solution to update them short of pulling them off the wall and rocking everything?

The other part of wholesaling that is a possible red flag is Equity Stripping, AKA Illegal Flipping, this was heavily regulated till a few years ago by lenders, especially M.I. companies, they have relaxed the rules, but was a problem pre and post crash. seeing the increase in this activity seems eerily familiar,  like 2007 all over again. just be careful especially with your license, Disclose Early, Often, and in Writing, My license is too valuable to me to be involved in this type of transaction, so i steer clear. if my entity is on the contract, I am the one closing. period. 

Is concealing your contact info common or is it usually a red flag?

This is the Land of the Authentic Green and Red Chili!!!