And lastly, I search FunishedFinder listings nearby, find comparable properties, and track the listed rent for a few months (does it increase, decrease?).

Property appraised value increased substantially with improvements and new higher rental tenants

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area. 

A full list of improvements completed4.

Bookkeeping when it comes to real estate investments can get tricky.I often find the following mistakes occur1) They fully write off the mortgage payment when in reality the mortgage payment is broken down into Interest, principal paydown and an increase into the escrow account.2) If the property is managed by a PM company, do not factor in the PM Statement3) do not calculate depreciation expenseBest of luck in your search for a proper bookkeper.

If the repairs are capital improvements (e.g., replacing entire siding), you’ll need to capitalize and depreciate those over time.The unpaid rent is considered a loss, but it’s not directly deductible.

Communication is challenging, most likely uninsured, but this is in-line with the budget.c) Keep searching for contractors, adding time to project and potentially costs.d) Buy scaffolding or rent scaffolding or a lift and demo myself for under $1,500, including dumpster.What would you do??

We are currently searching and analyzing properties on the market.My question is regarding "free" credit offers. 

Obviously I will have a title search and get title insurance but I assumed they would still be required to fill out a SD but maybe not.

I’ve had investors that initially bought SFRs in CA and accumulated about $400k - then sold the properties and now are actively buying fixers, small homes and value add properties where they use the $300k to purchase and improve and make between $200k to $300k per year in gross profits when selling a renovated or improved property.