Once you have your list, you'll need to set up a CRM to intake your leads; I like using Podio.

Two, it seems like you're willing to buy anything to get in. Take

If you have not learned this by following listings cradle to grave you are premature in taking action

Still very new but interested in taking the plunge soon, as I'm planning on buying a family house this year, and the goal of purchasing at least one rental property the next.

Any advice/tips is most welcome and thanks in advance in taking time to help me in my learning process.  

welcome here and congrats in taking the next step.I invested out of States many times and now there are diffenrent list availables, over 1000 a month, that makes it a lot easier now, and also 3 houses for $50k with turn key program for lease-option buyers... pretty amazing how the market OOS evolved a lot since I started OOS in 2008, barely speaking English and being from Canada, with all the problems I had to overcome.In California, I discovered that right now, the condos 1br/1ba in Long Beach are the ones who can provide some equity and cash-flow. :-)Good luck and we are here to help!

About 15 yrs ago I was a full time contractor who specialized in taking rental homes that were battered and bruised and getting them ready to sell. 

However, I have a low 600 credit score and I don't think my partner is interested in taking out a mortgage for our first deal.

@Andrew PostellI'm aware of DFE, but not interested in taking a chance on a low appraisal or having all of my rehab budget sunk into these properties.  

Trying to structure my intake of the plentiful information available!